Tre Jones is making the most of his moment - and the Chicago Bulls have a decision to make.
As the Bulls sit at 19-21 and hover around the No. 9 seed in the East, it’s clear this current roster isn’t built to make a deep playoff run, let alone contend for a title. The front office - led by Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley - faces a pivotal stretch ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Whether they choose to reset the roster or ride it out until the offseason, change feels inevitable. And one name quietly gaining relevance in that conversation is Tre Jones.
While most of the attention has centered around unrestricted free agents Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, Jones is carving out a compelling case for himself - either as a long-term piece or a valuable trade chip.
At 26, Jones doesn’t quite fit into the Bulls’ youth movement, which includes Josh Giddey (23), Matas Buzelis (21), and Noa Essengue (19). But he also isn’t on an expiring contract like veterans Nikola Vucevic, Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, or Jevon Carter. That puts him in a unique spot: young enough to still grow with a developing core, but experienced enough to be a stabilizing presence - and potentially appealing to other teams looking for a reliable, affordable guard.
And right now, he’s playing some of the best basketball of his career.
In his sixth NBA season, the former Duke standout is averaging 12.4 points, 5.6 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game - all near career highs. He’s doing it with remarkable efficiency too, shooting 53.3% from the field. But it’s his recent run that’s really turning heads.
With White and Giddey dealing with injuries, Jones has stepped into the starting lineup 19 times and delivered. Since New Year’s Eve, he’s averaging 13.3 points and 7.6 assists to just 1.5 turnovers per game, while shooting 57.6% from the floor and 38.9% from three. Those are numbers that demand attention - not just from the Bulls' brass, but from teams around the league.
This stretch raises a key question for Chicago’s front office: Is this a breakout that signals untapped long-term value, or simply a hot streak fueled by increased opportunity?
If it’s the former, then the Bulls may have found a hidden gem in the Zach LaVine trade. Jones may not be a headliner, but he’s on a team-friendly deal - just $8 million annually through 2027-28, with a club option in the final year. That kind of contract, combined with his production, makes him a rare asset: productive, affordable, and under control for multiple seasons.
That also makes him a prime trade candidate.
If Karnišovas and Eversley believe Jones' recent surge is more situational than sustainable, now could be the perfect time to move him. His value is arguably at a high, and his contract would be attractive to contenders or retooling teams looking for a steady hand at point guard. In contrast, while White and Dosunmu are more established, any team trading for them would need to factor in the cost of a new deal - and that could limit the Bulls’ return.
Chicago has options, but they can’t afford to stay stuck in neutral. Whether they decide to build around a younger core, retool with veterans, or fully embrace a rebuild, Tre Jones could be a key piece in whatever path they choose. His recent play is giving the front office something to think about - and one way or another, it’s clear he’s earned a seat at the table in the Bulls’ future plans.