The New Orleans Pelicans have made a significant commitment to their defensive identity, reportedly agreeing to a substantial contract extension with forward Herbert Jones. The deal, which adds three years and $68 million, effectively restructures Jones`s agreement into a five-year package worth a total of $97 million, including a player option for the 2029-30 season.
This move signals strong confidence from the Pelicans organization in the 26-year-old wing, especially considering his recent circumstances. Jones`s 2024-25 season was cut short after just 20 games when he suffered a shoulder injury in January. He underwent surgery in February and was sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
Despite the injury setback, Jones`s value to the team is undeniable. He is fresh off a career-best season in 2023-24, where he solidified his reputation as one of the NBA`s premier perimeter defenders. His exceptional defensive work earned him first-team All-Defense honors, a rare feat for a non-center in the league. That season, he averaged 11.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest.
Drafted in the second round (35th overall) in 2021, Jones quickly outperformed his draft position, establishing himself as a critical piece of the Pelicans` rotation and a reliable starter. He earned second-team All-Rookie honors in his debut 2021-22 season, immediately showcasing the defensive prowess that defined his collegiate career at Alabama, where he was recognized as both SEC Player and Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.
Known for his length, tenacity, and basketball IQ, Jones provides the defensive backbone that ambitious teams require. His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses makes him an invaluable asset, one that often doesn`t show up fully in traditional box scores. Locking him up long-term, even as he recovers from injury, indicates the Pelicans view him as a foundational player essential to their future aspirations.
In an era often dominated by offensive fireworks and scoring specialists, Herbert Jones`s significant extension serves as a reminder that elite, versatile defense remains a premium commodity in the NBA. For the Pelicans, it`s a clear statement: defense matters, and Herbert Jones is their guy for the foreseeable future.
Jasper Hawthorne