It's not a secret that the Minnesota Timberwolves need a point guard. After Friday's late-game meltdown against the Phoenix Suns, this need became even clearer. Yes, it's only November, but it's not too early to start thinking about trade targets.
While you might disagree with me, I don't think the Wolves need a star guard, just a solid role player who can comfortably play 25 or so minutes. Enter Tre Jones. The Chicago Bulls point guard is averaging 12.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. Since Coby White has 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 look 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 move closer to the deadline, Jones will be a target to monitor for Wolves fans.
Tre Jones is a picture perfect fit with the Wolves
Of course, Tre's brother Tyus spent the first four years of his career in Minnesota. While Tyus has looked unplayable with the Orlando Magic this season, Tre is enjoying a career season. As high-IQ playmakers, the Jones brothers are in a similar mold. A reunion with Tyus wouldn't be logical, but trading for Tre would be ideal for Minnesota.
To me, this mold of player is exactly the type of player Minnesota needs. This is what Mike Conley has been over the past two and a half seasons. However, at 38, his lack of shot creation and burst makes it difficult to play him significant minutes. Unfortunately, second-year guard Rob Dillingham looks too raw and has struggled to score.
Jones would give the Wolves a stabilizing playmaker who they can trust in the biggest moments. The Duke product is far from a dynamic shot creator. Regardless, 52 percent of Jones' baskets are unassisted, whereas 10.7 percent of Conley's baskets are unassisted. Likewise, Jones is shooting 60.7 at the rim while Conley is shooting 41.7 at the rim.
Undoubtedly, Jones' extra shot creation juice paired with his borderline elite playmaking would make a world of difference for Minnesota's offense.
Jones' $8 million annual salary makes him an attainable trade target for the Wolves. It's 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.