Alternative options for Spurs if Tre Jones leaves next free agency

Tre Jones was drafted in the second round in the summer of 2020 with pick #41. Mid- to late-round second-rounders don't usually pan out in the NBA. You may find some end-of-the-bench guys occasionally, but available spots in the NBA are few, so often, players spend most of their time in developmental leagues, going overseas or pursuing other careers altogether. Such isn't the case for Jones, who's made himself into a strong role player whether he comes off the bench or starts.

But the fact of the matter is that the Duke product is making less this season than Pat Connaughton, Gary Payton II and even his new teammate Stephon Castle. San Antonio could very well re-sign him, but the questions are about what they would want to pay him and whether he feels he can get a starting role elsewhere.

He'd be an unrestricted free agent, and Jones is still only 24 years old. It's reasonable for him not to relegate himself to a bench role so early in his career. The Spurs have four possible first-round draft selections in next year's draft, so they could just add a guy to the pool of incoming players, but Chris Paul is likely gone after this season, and having a veteran point guard off the bench has value. Fortunately, there may be some terrific alternatives via free agency if Jones chooses to leave.

Dennis Schroder

If you watched the Olympics, you know that Dennis Schroder still has a lot of sauce in his game. Last season, he averaged 14 points and shot almost 38% from three. He's quick, long and takes pride in playing defense. He's turning 31 the day that this article is being written, September 15, so he fills the need for a veteran perfectly as he's not too old to contribute but doesn't demand a lot of maintenance. He's only 6'1, but he has a 6'8" wingspan and plays hard.

Dante Exum

Exum (29) is perfect because the Spurs won't have to give up any size at the position when he comes in for Castle next season, as he stands at 6'5". Stephon is projected to be next year's starter at point guard, and there's a benefit to his size at the position. If San Antonio doesn't have to give any up between lineups, that makes it even better. Exum shot 49% from three last season for the Dallas Mavericks. Spurs fans would be over the moon to add a shooter like that to the roster.

Malcolm Brogdon

Brogdon is 6'4" and will be turning 32 in a few months, checking both the size and veteran boxes. He shot 41% from distance last season, and he's a heady player, always making the smart play. He would be perfect in San Antonio's system. He doesn't have the same athleticism Schroder and Exum possess, but he makes up for it by playing sound basketball almost 100% of the time. If the Spurs lose Jones, acquiring Brogdon would be a home-run move.

Any of these players would be strong replacements for Tre Jones next summer, and San Antonio will have the cap space to sign any of them. Their contracts should all be reasonable, no matter what team they sign with. These aren't high-priced players, but they're high-value players, and the Spurs need as many of those as they can get.