Mavericks are quickly realizing why the Magic were fine trading Tyus Jones

The Dallas Mavericks struck gold last month when they traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards for multiple expiring contracts. One of the players included in the three-team deal was former NCAA champion Tyus Jones. The veteran guard was expected to gain valuable minutes after being sent to Dallas, as the team desperately needed a guard to help carry the offense and help space the floor.

However, there is just one problem: Jones isn't the same player he once was. He isn't going to average double-digit points or spread the ball with ease like he used to with the Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, and Phoenix Suns. It's also why the Magic were fine to move on from him.

It's a lesson the Mavericks hope doesn't repeat itself. Remember, Dallas is already thin at the point guard position with Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams being the only other healthy point guards. Plus, with Kyrie Irving sitting out the rest of the season, Dallas desperately needs Jones to turn back the clock.

Jones will need to win coach Jason Kidd's trust (something that isn't easy) if he hopes gain more starting minutes in the future.

Tyus Jones is having one of his worst seasons

The newest guard has struggled to win over Mavs fans so far, as he was expected to elevate Cooper Flagg and the Mavs' offense. In three games, Jones looks like a shell of his former self. He has yet to be the guard Dallas hoped he'd be.

Jones showed some promise in his first game with Dallas. Against the San Antonio Spurs, he was able to move the ball with ease, finishing the game with seven assists. The six-foot guard dished the ball to his new teammates well, and he also finished the game shooting 50 percent.

Things, though, failed to improve in the past two games. Jones struggled in his first game as a starter. He shot 25 percent from the field and missed all three of his 3-point attempts. His passing game took a step back as well, as he finished with three assists. The main eye-opener was his -11 plus-minus while he was on the court.

Jones' number stayed stagnant in his third game with the team. He again struggled shooting the ball, as he failed to move the offense in the right direction. His limited production is why the trade is already being labeled a mistake.

Jones' early struggles might be something Dallas overlooked. The 10-year veteran struggled heavily during his time with Orlando. He averaged a career low in points per game, assists, and field goal percentage. This is why the Magic dumped him to the Charlotte Hornets, before he landed with Dallas.

It is a disappointment from a player who looked promising a year ago. Before the Magic, Jones played one season with the Suns, averaging 10.2 points per game and 5.3 assists. It was a season filled with promise, as he was Phoenix's fifth leading scorer and second-leading assist man.

Fast forward to this season, and Jones has struggled heavily. His downward spiral can largely be attributed to his numerous shooting slumps and failed production. Plus, his size at the guard position makes him a defensive liability.

The Dallas Mavericks can only hope Jones fixes some of the issues listed above. Fans have seen what happens when players lose Kidd's trust, ask D'Angelo Russell. So, while there is still time, Jones must turn back the clock in the hope that he continues to have a strong career in the NBA.