It’s no secret that the Minnesota Timberwolves are in need of a point guard. After Friday’s late game against the Phoenix Suns, this need became even more apparent. Yes, it’s only November, but it’s not too early to start thinking about trade targets.
While you may not agree with me, I don’t think the Wolves need a star guard, just a solid role player who can comfortably play about 25 minutes. Enter Tre Jones. The Chicago Bulls point guard is averaging 12.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists. Since Coby White returned from injury, Jones’ role with the Bulls has been more up in the air. As a result, it’s possible the Bulls could look to trade him.
Jones signed a contract with the Bulls this summer, meaning he is eligible to be traded on December 15. Will the Bulls want to trade him immediately? I doubt it. But I think it’s worth noting that this is the soonest he could be traded, and as we get closer to the deadline, Jones will be a target to keep an eye on for Wolves fans.
Tre Jones is a perfect fit for the Wolves
Of course, Tre’s brother Tyus spent the first four years of his career in Minnesota. Although Tyus has looked unplayable this season with the Orlando Magic, Tre is enjoying a career season. As high-IQ playmakers, the Jones brothers are in similar shape. A reunion with Tyus wouldn’t make sense, but trading for Tre would be ideal for Minnesota.
To me, this type of player is exactly the type of player Minnesota needs. This is what Mike Conley has been for the past two and a half seasons. However, at 38 years old, his lack of shot creation and burst makes it difficult to see him play long minutes. Unfortunately, sophomore guard Rob Dillingham looks too raw and struggles to score.
Jones would give the Wolves a stabilizing playmaker they can rely on in the biggest moments. The Duke product is far from a dynamic shot creator. Regardless, 52 percent of Jones’ baskets are unassisted, while 10.7 percent of Conley’s baskets are unassisted. Likewise, Jones shoots 60.7 at the rim while Conley shoots 41.7 at the rim.
No doubt, Jones’ extra shot-creation juice combined with his elite boundary play would make a world of difference for Minnesota’s offense.
Jones’ $8 million annual salary makes him a viable trade target for the Wolves. It is possible that a package could include Conley and draft capital. By all accounts, Jones is an ideal and realistic target to solve the Wolves’ point guard problems.
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