New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones has secured a three-year contract extension worth $68 million, as reported by ESPN. This new agreement extends Jones’ commitment to the team to a total of five years, with a total value of $97 million, including player options for the 2029-30 season.
At 26 years old, Jones played in only 20 games last season, missing time due to a shoulder injury that required surgery in February, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. Throughout the season, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
In his fourth year, Jones had a breakout 2023-24 season, earning first-team all-defensive honors as the sole non-center selected to the team. Standing 6-foot-7, he averaged 11.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders.
Since being picked by New Orleans in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft, Jones has started 231 out of 240 games, quickly becoming a vital defensive player and reliable starter. He was named to the All-Second Team in 2021-22, recognizing his defensive prowess during his rookie season.
Jones was the SEC Player of the Year as a senior at Alabama in 2021, where he averaged 11.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Fan Take: Herbert Jones’ contract extension highlights the Pelicans’ confidence in his defensive and all-around abilities, despite recent injuries. This move not only secures a key piece for the team’s future but also underscores the value of versatile defenders in shaping competitive NBA rosters.
