The Blockbuster Trade: 5 Essential Facts About Tony Jones' New Role As The Athletic's Sixers Beat Writer

The NBA media landscape has seen its own version of a blockbuster trade, and at the center of it is veteran journalist Tony Jones. As of December 2025, Jones has transitioned from his long-standing and highly respected role as the Utah Jazz beat writer to take on the high-pressure assignment of covering the Philadelphia 76ers for The Athletic. This significant career move has placed him at the heart of one of the league’s most compelling storylines, focusing on the new era of Sixers basketball led by stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

This article dives deep into Jones's journey, from his roots covering high school sports to becoming a trusted voice on the Sixers' current 4-1 start to the 2025-26 NBA season. His fresh perspective is now essential reading for fans tracking Philadelphia's championship aspirations and the team’s evolving dynamic.

The Journalist's Journey: A Complete Tony Jones Profile

Tony Jones is widely recognized for his authoritative, candid, and well-sourced reporting on the National Basketball Association (NBA). His career is characterized by a steady rise through local and regional sports coverage before establishing himself as a national voice at The Athletic.

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• Current Role (2025–Present): Philadelphia 76ers (Sixers) Beat Writer for The Athletic.
• Previous Major Role (The Athletic): Utah Jazz Beat Writer, where he covered the team's rise and eventual teardown, including the careers of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
• Prior Experience: Before joining The Athletic, Jones served as the NBA expert and Utah Jazz beat writer for The Salt Lake Tribune.
• Early Career Roots: His journalistic foundation was built on covering high school sports in Florida, before moving to Utah where he also covered the University of Utah (Utes) as a beat writer.
• Local Connection: Jones has a connection to the greater Philadelphia area, having attended Boyertown High School. This local history adds a unique layer to his new assignment.
• Key Collaborations: Jones frequently collaborates with other top NBA reporters, including Shams Charania, often breaking major league news.
• Reporting Style: Known for his direct approach, deep source network, and insightful analysis, particularly during trade deadlines and the NBA Draft.

From Salt Lake City to the City of Brotherly Love: The Blockbuster Career Trade

The move from Salt Lake City to Philadelphia marks the most significant change in Jones’s professional life in years. For nearly a decade, he was the definitive voice for the Utah Jazz, chronicling everything from the team's playoff runs to the recent franchise pivot that saw key players traded away.

The decision to cover the Philadelphia 76ers, a team with immediate title aspirations and a volatile, high-stakes environment, represents a major professional challenge and opportunity. Jones himself confirmed the relocation, stating he moved to Philadelphia specifically to take on the Sixers beat starting in the 2025 season.

The transition is noteworthy because it highlights The Athletic's investment in covering the Sixers, deeming the team's narrative worthy of a dedicated, high-profile beat writer. Jones's expertise in navigating complex team dynamics, honed while covering the internal workings of the Jazz, makes him the ideal candidate for the Sixers beat, which is often dominated by intense media scrutiny and fan passion.

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His final years covering the Jazz involved analyzing the difficult decisions surrounding the team’s future, including the status of players like Walker Kessler and the overall direction of the rebuild. Now, he shifts gears to a team that has already made major moves, such as the acquisition of Paul George, and is firmly in the championship window.

Sixers Coverage and the Embiid-Maxey Reality

In his new role, Tony Jones has immediately cemented himself as the go-to source for Philadelphia 76ers news. His recent reporting provides an up-to-the-minute look at the team’s performance and internal adjustments under coach Nick Nurse.

One of his primary focuses has been the dynamic duo of reigning MVP Joel Embiid and ascending star Tyrese Maxey. Jones has written extensively on how Embiid is "adjusting to a new basketball reality," a phrase that captures the subtle but significant changes in his role alongside a retooled roster and a new star acquisition. This analysis is crucial for understanding the team's long-term success.

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Furthermore, his reporting provides immediate updates on key personnel decisions. For instance, Jones was among the first to tweet the news that Tyrese Maxey would miss his first game of the 2025-26 season, demonstrating his access and timeliness in covering the team's day-to-day operations.

Jones’s early coverage has also provided perspective on the Sixers' surprising 4-1 start to the season, offering a balanced view on the roster's potential and the immediate impact of the offseason moves. He is not just reporting the facts; he is providing the context necessary for fans to understand the nuances of a championship-contending team.

The Impact of a Veteran Voice on a New Market

The presence of a veteran journalist like Tony Jones covering the Philadelphia 76ers brings a level of credibility and depth that enriches the entire market’s sports coverage. His experience covering the intense, player-focused drama of the Utah Jazz has prepared him well for the passionate and often demanding environment of Philadelphia sports fans.

His move is a win for The Athletic, securing a top-tier reporter for a top-tier NBA market, and a win for Sixers fans who now benefit from his well-sourced and insightful reporting on the team’s biggest stars and most critical moments. As the 2025-26 NBA season progresses, Tony Jones will undoubtedly be the definitive source for the inside story on the Philadelphia 76ers' quest for a title.