3 teams that could chase Spurs guard Tre Jones in free agency

The San Antonio Spurs handed Tre Jones the reins of their offense when they traded Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks last summer. While he hasn't stuffed the stat sheet like his All-Star counterpart, the 23-year-old point guard has been the conductor keeping the offense from veering off the rails during the first season of a full-scale rebuild.

Jones has averaged a respectable 12.7 points, 3.5 boards, and 6.4 assists on 45.3% shooting in his first season as a starter, nearly doubling his per-game numbers in virtually every area. His spike in productivity is fantastic, but since he is a restricted free agent this summer, the team must make a difficult decision about his future in the 2-1-0.

The front office can sign Jones to a four-year extension worth as much as $58M before the season ends. Or they can tender the young floor general a $6.2M qualifying offer and negotiate a long-term deal this offseason. He will likely end up with the Spurs. But several franchises will be pining after his playmaking services, so can they lure him to a new market?

1. Houston Rockets

Houston is the only organization on this countdown that has been equally bad, if not worse, than the Spurs this season. Their offense lacks spacing and structure, and their defense has been historically poor and hilariously disjointed. The Rockets have some intriguing talent, but they could use an upgrade at practically every position on their roster.

Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. are the bedrock of this rebuild, but there is too much dysfunction for either of these top-three picks to learn sound fundamentals on either end of the court. Youngsters like Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, and K.J. Martin have shown complementary skills worth long-term investments, but others must get the boot.

Kevin Porter Jr. is the incumbent starting point guard in Houston. Though he signed a four-year extension before the season and increased his per-game numbers and scoring efficiency, it would benefit the Rockets to find a trade partner to unload him this summer. He is an awkward fit alongside Green, and a pass-first backcourt mate makes more sense.

The Rockets could have as much as $61M to spend in free agency, which gives them the luxury to pursue Tre Jones without worrying whether they can afford other players. Houston would likely love to sign a floor general who can direct traffic in the half-court and push the pace in transition, so don't be shocked if they fork over an expensive offer sheet.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers are clasping onto the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoff race by the skin of their teeth, and a few losses could be the difference between a postseason run and making a surprise trip to the Draft Lottery. While their roster has some championship pieces, it has holes General Manager Michael Winger must address.

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are the cornerstones of this organization, but they can only do so much without a fitting supporting cast. Their front acquired Mason Plumlee, Eric Gordon, and Russell Westbrook at the trade deadline, which has strengthened their depth and helped them stay afloat in the standings. Something is still missing in Los Angeles.

Though Westbrook has been serviceable as their starting point guard, the nine-time All-Star has been a defensive liability and continued committing turnovers at a ridiculous rate. The Clippers could re-sign him, but their top priority should be searching for a dependable floor general once the free-agent market opens for business this offseason.

Tre Jones seems like an excellent fit in Los Angeles. Unfortunately for the cash-strapped Clippers, they are above the luxury tax threshold and have no cap space to chase the 23-year-old playmaker. They could negotiate a sign-and-trade with the Spurs, but that likely means they will have to part ways with Terrance Mann to entice PATFO to pick up the phone.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder

You might be surprised to see the Thunder on this list, but they have been one of the best Cinderella stories in the NBA this season, and they appear to be knocking on the doorstep of something special. Not only have these young overachievers battled to propel themselves into the play-in picture, but they have done so with the second-overall pick sidelined.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become a superstar, Josh Giddey is nearing All-Star status, and Jalen Williams has established his name in the Rookie of the Year conversation with a stretch of impressive performances during the final leg of his first go-round in the league. They have found their core players, and Oklahoma City should now fill out their bench.

Much like Los Angeles, the Thunder need a point guard to command their second-unit offense when the primary ballhandlers take a breather. Jared Butler and Tre Mann have flashed intriguing scoring and playmaking skills. But their inconsistency and inexperience could hinder a ball club that may be ready to leap into perennial playoff contention.

Oklahoma City could clear approximately $31M in cap space this summer, and that is more than enough money to offer Tre Jones a lucrative payday once the offseason festivities commence. The Silver and Black can match any contract Jones receives since he is a restricted free agent, though he could still end up in a Thunder jersey if they hike the price tag.