The New Orleans Pelicans are making sure one of their most reliable—and quietly elite—players isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, forward Herb Jones has agreed to a three-year, $68 million contract extension with the franchise. The deal was negotiated by agents Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller of Priority Sports and will keep Jones in New Orleans through the 2029–30 season, with a player option in the final year. Combined with his previous contract, Jones is now locked in for five years, $97 million.
A Smart, Long-Term Investment by New Orleans
From my perspective, this is a great move by the Pelicans.
In an era where 3-and-D wings are at a premium, Herb Jones stands out as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. He’s not flashy, and he doesn’t demand the ball, but he impacts winning in ways that often don’t show up in box scores. Whether it’s taking on the opposing team’s top scorer, rotating at the right time, or making smart plays in transition, Jones has carved out a role as the Pelicans’ defensive backbone.
Locking him in now—before his price tag possibly soared even higher—shows New Orleans is serious about building a sustainable core.
What Jones Brings to the Table
Jones, a former second-round pick out of Alabama, has outperformed expectations every step of the way since entering the league in 2021. He quickly earned a starting role as a rookie and hasn’t looked back since. In 2024–25, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
But the real value comes on defense.
Jones regularly takes on the toughest matchups, and he’s proven capable of guarding positions 1 through 4. He’s been praised by teammates, coaches, and opponents alike for his length, instincts, and discipline. If the Pelicans eventually become a top-tier defensive team, Herb Jones will be the reason why.
Why This Deal Makes Sense for Both Sides
The Pelicans now have cost control on a key piece of their rotation, and the $68 million extension offers flexibility down the line if they continue to retool the roster. On the other side, Jones secures long-term financial stability while maintaining the flexibility of a player option in the final year.
For a player like Jones—whose value has never been fully appreciated in mainstream conversations—this is validation. And for New Orleans, it’s another step in solidifying a competitive foundation.
What It Means Going Forward
With recent additions like Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney, and Derik Queen, the Pelicans appear to be focused on building around Brandon Ingram’s eventual replacement and Zion Williamson’s upside. Locking in a player like Herb Jones ensures that no matter what offensive talent they add, there will always be someone to do the dirty work on the other end.
It’s also worth noting that David Griffin is no longer running the show. Under Joe Dumars’ leadership, this type of calculated, culture-first extension signals a more measured, long-view approach. The team isn’t trying to overcorrect or go star-chasing; instead, they’re retaining their identity and rewarding players who embody the grind.
This is a good deal for both sides—and a great one for a Pelicans franchise that’s beginning to show it values the right kind of player. Herb Jones might not light up highlight reels, but he wins possessions, and that wins games. Now, he’s getting paid like it.
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