Spurs Trade De’Aaron Fox, Jones Thrives in Chicago Amid Transition

San Antonio, Texas — At the beginning of February, rumors surrounding De'Aaron Fox‘s potential move to the San Antonio Spurs reached a fever pitch, transitioning from speculation about “if” to “when” the trade might occur. The details of the announcement revealed how the Spurs secured Fox, reminiscent of a previous deal that brought Harrison Barnes to San Antonio.

A month and a half post-trade, Tre Jones, now in Chicago, has been exhibiting some of the best basketball of his career. Since his arrival, Jones has contributed an average of 10.8 points and four assists per game over 15 games with the Bulls, shooting 54% from the field and 50% from three-point range. However, the Bulls hold a record of 6-9 during this span

Jones’ performance has been particularly notable, especially considering the Bulls’ ongoing injury struggles that allowed him to step into a more significant role. The Spurs’ decision to trade him raises questions regarding whether they made the right choice. While his stats may prompt some regret among fans, the reality is that including Jones in the trade helped facilitate the acquisition of Fox, a move the Spurs viewed positively.

Evaluating Jones’ performance further, if we exclude his first six games in Chicago, his numbers improved to 14 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.6 rebounds, with shooting percentages skyrocketing to 57.8% from the field and 61.5% from beyond the arc.

While his current numbers are impressive, concerns about sustainability linger. The Bulls are expected to regain their health eventually, which could alter Jones’ role and effectiveness. Although he remains a valuable asset, the Spurs are likely seeking a more dynamic player with size for their second unit in the long run.

Jones, standing at 6 feet 1 inch, faces limitations due to his stature and athleticism, which could hinder his ceiling in a playoff-contending environment. Nonetheless, while fans may miss the former Blue Devil sporting Spurs colors, there is satisfaction in witnessing his success elsewhere.

Like great plot lines in movies or television that often require the sacrifice of beloved characters to enhance the storyline, the Spurs’ move to trade Jones, while not nearly as dramatic, has the potential to propel the team forward as they aim to secure a championship with De’Aaron Fox back in the mix.