There’s been plenty of praise heaped on Tre Jones this season. The soon-to-be 26-year-old started the season hot, averaging 11.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 2.4 steals per game in October. He also shot an impressive 51.4 percent from the floor and 62.5 percent from three.
Jones then carried his effectiveness into November, raising his scoring average to 13.4 points while maintaining an efficient 51.6 percent shooting from the field. In December, he played a smaller role as the Bulls recovered from injuries but still performed admirably.
On the season, Jones is averaging 12.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 52.2 percent from the floor. It’s been a stellar season for the sixth-year guard, one that’s surely turning heads both internally and externally.
Tre Jones’ play makes him a reliable alternative for Chicago
After signing a three-year, $24 million contract in the offseason, few expected Jones to do more than provide a steadying reserve role on a guard-heavy Bulls roster in 2025-26. From the onset, however, he quickly made his mark. With Coby White sidelined by an offseason calf strain, there was even the train of thought that Jones’ strong play had made White expendable.
While Jones doesn’t possess White’s explosive scoring or quick-twitch athleticism, his calming presence and consistently sound decision-making make him a strong alternative. Chicago isn’t likely to swap White for Jones, but the former’s expiring contract is the elephant in the room—one that the Bulls may be reluctant to address.
White’s value has reportedly been limited across the league this season after recurring calf issues derailed his contract year. That could help the Bulls if they aim to re-sign the North Carolina product, but if they don’t see him as worth a potential $20–30 million annually, Jones offers a solid, proven alternative.
Moreover, speaking of the Bulls’ guard-heavy roster, fellow reserve Ayo Dosunmu is outplaying his expiring contract. Currently earning $7 million, Dosunmu will likely command a $10-plus-million raise next season, given his averages of 14.0 points and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 50.2 percent from the floor and 43.0 percent from three-point range. Jones isn’t just a potential replacement for White; he could also fill Dosunmu’s role.
Jones could be a key trade piece
However, Jones’ strong play for just $8 million per year should be drawing interest across the league. The 6-foot-1 guard also has a team option in the third year of his contract, making it one of the NBA’s best bargain deals.
At just $8 million, Jones is easily attainable, making him perhaps the Bulls’ biggest trade chip. With White and Dosunmu on expiring contracts, the Bulls’ brass isn’t likely to be chomping at the bit to move Jones for even an impressive trade package. But—and it’s a big but—if Chicago plans on re-signing either White, Dosunmu, or both, Jones could be dangled to acquire draft capital or a potentially difference-making player. Both scenarios would be ideal for the Bulls.
There may be an argument for trading Jones ahead of the deadline, depending on the Bulls’ plans for White and Dosunmu. Nonetheless, Jones’ terrific start to the season is proving doubly effective for the Bulls. He’s more than just a reserve guard. He’s a potential starter and a trade chip who could pay dividends in the future.