The Chicago Bulls Could Benefit From Keeping Tre Jones

The Chicago Bulls missed out on the playoffs for a third straight season. But after a few recent moves, it seems they have their future set up. However, another decision might have to be made soon.

On Feb. 3, the Bulls acquired point guard Tre Jones from the San Antonio Spurs in a three-team trade involving the Sacramento Kings.

Jones is currently at the end of the two-year contract he signed with the Spurs in 2023. He is now an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his five-year career. Although he is allowed to talk to other teams, the Bulls could benefit from re-signing him.

Jones had to grind it out

Before entering the NBA, Jones played two years at Duke University. It was his second year when he started gaining recognition.

During the 2019-20 season, Jones averaged 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.8 steals. His efforts made him ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Once the season was complete, he entered the 2020 NBA draft.

Jones was chosen as the 11th selection in the second round of the draft, making him a late pick by the Spurs. In his first two seasons, he only averaged 4.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 0.5 steals.

A great opportunity developed for Jones

Before the 2022-23 season began, the Spurs made a huge change to their roster.

On Jun. 30, 2022, they traded point guard Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks to start their rebuilding stage. As a result of the trade, Jones was given the starting point guard position.

Jones made sure to hold up his end of the bargain. During the 2022-23 campaign, he averaged a career-high 12.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, a career-high 6.6 assists, and a career-high 1.3 steals. He also had two triple-doubles in April.

Jones found a great fit in Chicago

This season started slowly for Jones.

In his first 28 games of the season, he averaged a mere 4.4 points and 3.7 assists. However, once he got traded to the Bulls, he found himself again. In the 18 games he played for them, he averaged 11.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.1 steals.

Jones’ numbers aren’t the only reason the Bulls might want to keep him. Josh Giddey is the Bulls’ starting point guard, while Lonzo Ball is his replacement. Jevon Carter and Jahmir Young, the other two point guards, haven’t produced at a high level. Due to that, it would make sense for Chicago to keep Jones.

The extent of success this reconstruction phase may achieve for the Bulls is still unclear. However, if they decide to keep Jones, it could be another positive step in the right direction.

Cory Nelson is a contributor to The Lead. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson, Instagram @ckenzynelson, and Threads @ckenzynelson