The Minnesota Timberwolves’ need for a true point guard isn’t exactly a state secret. It’s been a lingering issue, and after dropping their fourth straight game-this time to the Chicago Bulls-it’s becoming harder to ignore.
But in that loss, Minnesota may have gotten a closer look at a potential solution. Three Bulls guards are reportedly on the Wolves’ radar: Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Tre Jones.
And of the trio, it was Jones who made the strongest case.
Now, let’s be clear-no one’s saying a single game should dictate trade decisions. But what Jones showed on the court was more than just a decent stat line. He gave Minnesota a front-row seat to the kind of steady, two-way presence they’ve been missing.
Jones finished with 12 points, seven assists, and three rebounds. Not exactly eye-popping numbers, but that’s not the full story.
His fingerprints were all over the game. He controlled the tempo, made smart reads, and played tough, disruptive defense-especially in crunch time.
In transition, he was active with his hands, creating turnovers and flipping momentum. It’s the kind of performance that doesn’t always show up in the box score but absolutely impacts winning.
And that’s exactly the kind of player the Timberwolves need.
Minnesota’s roster is loaded with talent, but what they’re lacking is a guard who can consistently get downhill, create offense for others, and hold his own at the point of attack defensively. That’s Tre Jones in a nutshell. He’s not flashy, but he’s efficient, composed, and plays with a high IQ.
According to Basketball Index, Jones ranks in the 96th percentile in rim shot creation, 90th percentile in perimeter isolation defense, and 98th percentile in playmaking talent. Those are elite numbers-and they track with what we saw on the floor. He’s a guard who can both initiate offense and lock down on the other end, which is exactly what Minnesota needs to stabilize their backcourt.
So why would Chicago even consider moving him?
Well, it comes down to roster construction. The Bulls have a crowded backcourt.
Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu are both in the rotation and heading toward free agency, and Josh Giddey-arguably their most valuable player-is also a lead ball-handler. That kind of logjam forces decisions.
If Chicago believes White or Dosunmu is part of their long-term future, then Jones becomes the odd man out. And if the Bulls are looking to pivot toward a younger, more developmental core, moving Jones could bring back assets that better align with that direction.
From Minnesota’s perspective, Jones’ contract situation adds even more appeal. He’s under team control through the 2027-28 season, with a team option before that final year. That’s cost certainty for a high-level role player-something every contending team values.
The Timberwolves have the assets to make a deal happen. A package built around young talent like Rob Dillingham or Terrence Shannon Jr., plus draft capital, could be enough to get Chicago’s attention. It’s not a blockbuster move, but it’s the kind of smart, targeted acquisition that could pay serious dividends come playoff time.
Bottom line: Tre Jones checks every box for what the Wolves are missing. He’s a steady hand, a willing defender, and a playmaker who doesn’t need the ball constantly to be effective. If Minnesota wants to get back on track and make another deep postseason run, this is the kind of move that could quietly change everything.