There are several important storylines to keep track of this preseason that may make or break the Chicago Bulls' playoff chances, from Matas Buzelis' development to a much-needed improvement on defense. But an unexpected plot has quickly popped up after two exhibition contests: Tre Jones' role as one of the Bulls' most critical players.
Jones signed a three-year, $24 million contract to stay in Chicago in one of the most overlooked moves of the summer. Understandably, Josh Giddey's four-year, $100 million deal was the headliner of the bunch. The acquisition of Isaac Okoro from the Cleveland Cavaliers was meant to beef up the team's wing depth and hopefully speed along that defensive improvement. The Bulls drafted French teenager Noa Essengue with the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and though he's raw, he has gobs of potential.
But of all those moves, it could be the re-signing of Jones that makes the biggest immediate impact.
Tre Jones will play a meaningful role for the Bulls this season
Jones' presence was felt from the jump when he arrived in Chicago via the San Antonio Spurs as part of the trade that sent Zach LaVine to Sacramento. The 25-year-old played 18 games in a Bulls uniform and posted averages of 11.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 25.3 minutes per game. He was incredibly efficient, shooting 57.2 percent from the field (8.1 attempts per game), 50.0 percent from three (1.2 attempts) and 88.2 percent from the free-throw line (1.9 attempts). He had an assist-to-turnover ratio of better than 4-to-1.
In nine starts filling in for an injured Giddey between March 4 and March 20, the former Duke standout averaged 14.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists with shooting splits of 57/51/80. He averaged as many steals as turnovers (1.2), giving him a borderline unbelievable assist-to-turnover ratio of nearly 7-to-1.
That low-usage, wildly efficient play has carried over to the 2025-26 preseason. In two games against the Cavs, Jones has averaged 10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists on, of course, efficient shooting splits of 100/80/100. He's totaled nine assists and eight steals while only committing two turnovers and posting a plus-minus of +20.
Small sample size alert acknowledged, but what Jones has done through two preseason games only serves as confirmation that what the Bulls saw last season is real. He's more than just a second-unit point guard. He's ready to play a crucial role this season on a team looking to make the playoffs for the first time in four years.