Pelicans Keep Herb Jones In The Nest With $54M Extension

Posted on by David Grubb

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans have done to Herb Jones what he has done to so many elite offensive players during his first two NBA seasons…they’ve locked him up.

At the outset of the NBA Free Agency, the Pelicans and Jones agreed to a four-year, $54M deal.

Jones turned down his player option, which would have paid him $1.8 million, in order to secure a long-term future in New Orleans.

As a second round draft pick in 2021, Jones was surprisingly impactful as a rookie. With Zion Williamson sidelined, his defensive versatility earned him a spot in the starting lineup.

During his first season he started 69 games for the Pelicans, earning a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game.

Last season Jones dealt with injuries and an early-season shooting slump, but still managed 66 starts. His numbers picked up as the Pelicans made their push to the play-in tournament, with Jones posting 10.5 pts, 4.5 reb, 3.0 ast, and 1.4 stls, while shooting 52.7 percent from the floor and 45% from long distance over the final 22 games of the regular season.

At 6-8, Jones has played guard, forward, and center for the Pelicans and has been the catalyst for the team’s defensive improvement from 22nd in the season before he arrived, to sixth-best during the 2022-23 campaign.

He’s been in the top 10 in steals in the NBA in each of the past two seasons and is one of the most highly respected defensive players in the league, both by players and coaches. Jones is one of two players in the NBA to have at least 100 steals and 40 blocks in each of the last two seasons.

In other free agency news, former Pelicans forward/center Jaxson Hayes has reached a two-year agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers, and center Willy Hernangomez did not have his team option picked up, making him a free agent.

The Pelicans have until July 7 to deal with Garret Temple’s $5.4 million contract, as they currently sit more than $46 million above the salary cap.

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12 thoughts on “Pelicans Keep Herb Jones In The Nest With $54M Extension”

    2. I guess with their cap numbers, this is the best reserve they could come up with . And I believe he didn’t even play last year until Miami signed him late in the season. Makes me believe that JV is probably staying, unless there is a deal we don’t know about in the making. Hard to understand Griff sometimes. With this signing and GT not expected to be re-signed that leaves us currently with 13 players pending any other moves, meaning 2 roster spots left. I expect one to go to EJ if healthy. So 13 currently are Zion, BI, CJ, JV, NOH,, TMIII, Jose, Dyson, Naji, Kira, LNJ, Jordan Hawkins and Zeller. Hoping Robbins makes a good show in training camp. Looking forward to Summer League game this coming Friday.

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  4. So far, the Pels have done little to nothing to address their critical needs. A reliable PG and a rim protector. Teams like the Lakers, the Kings, Houston, and Denver have gotten better. Not sure the Pels can say the same thing.

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    1. And Phoenix has gotten better. I thought the Beal trade would not work out but I read with some recent signings they already have 9 shooters who shot above 35% last season and 3 in that number that shot over 40%. The west will be brutal next season.

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    2. I would agree. We’ve pushed the same concerns for 4 years and for 4 years they’ve gone unaddressed

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  5. Are y’all still planning to upgrade the comment section? Hardly anyone comments anymore.

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      1. Any word on if Karlo Matkovic will be on summer league team? I was impressed by him last year in summer league. Any news on how he is progressing?

        Reply

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