He’s also ascending. The 26 year old hit his stride the moment he landed in Chicago via trade last season. Over his final 12 games with the Bulls before injury ended his season, Jones averaged 14.3 points, 6.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds.

He re-signed with Chicago on a three-year, $24 million deal in the offseason and proved invaluable for the Bulls while star guard Josh Giddey was out with an injury. Even with Giddey back in the fold Thursday, Jones was still an integral part of Chicago’s equation.

It’s why the Bulls are unlikely to part with Jones, unless they received an impressive return in a deal. He’s a talented winner on a good contract. Those situations don’t come around often.

All indications are that Chicago thinks highly of the guard and, if anything, would be willing to part with other players to clear more runway for Jones.

The two sides are a good match.

Jones credits part of his current success to what he learned during his first four and a half seasons with the Spurs, about being a professional who’s ready for any opportunity. He learned the value of impacting the game in any minutes you get, regardless of role, as well as the value of culture building.

Chicago’s up-tempo approach has fit Jones like a glove, and the guard lauded Bulls coach Billy Donovan for the belief he’s preached in the point guard, allowing Jones’ confidence to blossom.

That, he noted, is what made everything “click.”

The result is the well-rounded, two-way player those in the Minnesota basketball scene watched grow up locally, and always assumed would reach these heights.

Jones admitted he gets a sense of satisfaction from stacking productive years and contracts at the sport’s highest level — evidence that the former second-round draft pick’s work is paying off.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Jones said.

And he only just now seems to be getting started.

“It’s definitely been a lot of fun to be able to produce on the court like I know how to,” Jones said. “But I think the most joy I get is when we win games. Doesn’t really matter the numbers, I guess. As long as we’re winning, I’m happy. So that’s what sticks out to me.”

Winning in front of friends and family brought a little extra joy Thursday.

“It still is business as usual at the end of the day,” he said. “But it’s always good to come home and get a win. I haven’t had too many in this arena as a pro, so it definitely feels good.”

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