Night one of the 2025 NBA Free Agency scrum is in the books with the Chicago Bulls making a quick move to re-sign reserve point guard Tre Jones to a three-year, $24 million deal. Here's a brief rundown of some of the rumors, reports and potential moves possibly still to come.
Bulls bring back Tre Jones
It seemed like a no-brainer, and indeed it was, as Chicago VP of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas made a quick foray into the hectic first few hours of free agency to quietly bring back Jones.
The 25-year-old arrived in Chicago from the San Antonio Spurs as part of the Zach LaVine deal at last year's trade deadline. Jones had been a solid if unspectacular reserve for the Spurs, but he took off after landing in the Bulls' offensive system. He went from averaging 8.4 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 31.1 percent from three over his first five NBA seasons to 11.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 25.3 minutes per game with shooting splits of 57/50/88 with Chicago.
With Lonzo Ball now in Cleveland, Jones will slot in as the backup to Josh Giddey, assuming the restricted free agent returns.
Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White trade rumors
Remaining in the backcourt, we go from Jones to Giddey to Dosunmu and White.
Dosunmu was the Bulls' sixth man last year but played in only 46 games. Still, he averaged 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists, increasing his offensive output while remaining a staunch on-ball defender. He's only 25 and could have another gear to reach as a player.
But there's no guarantee that gear hits in Chicago, as trade rumors swirl around the Illinois product. K.C. Johnson of CHSN floated the possibility of Dosunmu's exit at some point this offseason as the Bulls face a difficult decision between keeping Dosunmu and White. Both are unrestricted free agents at the end of next year, and with Jones now sticking around long-term and Giddey expected to do the same, one of the two other guards likely has to go.
White developed into the team's top offensive option down the stretch of last season and would be the logical choice to keep around. He's Chicago's best trade asset, however, so there are no guarantees. It'll be interesting to watch how the trade rumors surrounding these two progress.
Nikola Vucevic landing spot(s) becoming clearer
Vucevic seemed like the best bet to be traded this offseason. Ball went first, but Chicago's long-time starting center still seems like he'll be on the move before 2025-26 tips off. After the league played big man musical chairs during the first few hours of free agency, there's a trail of breadcrumbs leading toward Vucevic's next destination.
Clint Capela returned to his former home in Houston. Brook Lopez left Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks to sign with the Clippers. Warriors stalwart Kevon Looney is now a member of the New Orleans Pelicans. Luke Kornet moved from Boston to San Antonio. Luka Garza replaced him with the Celtics.
Where does Vucevic fit in?
Well, he fits best in the same place he always has: Golden State. The Warriors are reportedly prioritizing a stretch five, and the Bulls are one of two teams, along with the Miami Heat, most concretely linked to Jonathan Kuminga. A sign-and-trade deal involving the two makes some sense.
Veteran Al Horford is still on the market and would also fit in Golden State, but if Garza is the only center on the Celtics' roster in a few weeks, Vucevic would make sense in Boston as well.