On July 10, 2025, the New Orleans Pelicans and second‑rounder turned defensive anchor Herb Jones reached a landmark agreement, cementing the forward’s place in their core. According to multiple credible reports, including Field Level Media via Reuters and ESPN’s Shams Charania, Jones has agreed to a three‑year, \$68 million contract extension. This deal extends his tenure through the 2028‑29 season and includes a player option for the 2029‑30 campaign.
Already under contract through the 2026–27 season, this new deal locks in Jones for an additional three seasons, bringing his total guaranteed earnings to \$97 million over five years. His representatives, Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller of Priority Sports, confirmed the agreement with ESPN elite two‑way guards since being drafted 35th overall in 2021 from the University of Alabama. Across his first four NBA seasons, the 6‑foot‑7 wing has started in 231 of 240 games, averaging 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 36.6% from beyond the arc. In 2023–24, he earned All‑Defensive First Team honors, piling up 105 steals and a career‑high 62 blocks.
Last season (2024–25) was bittersweet. Jones appeared in only 20 games, suffering a right shoulder labrum tear that sidelined him for much of the year. Despite this, the Pelicans recognized his importance and made extending him a priority. When active, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
This commitment from the Pelicans reflects more than raw numbers. Jones’s defensive IQ and versatility have made him one of just eight players since 2021 to record at least 350 steals and 150 blocks ([NBA][4]). ESPN’s GeniusIQ notes that he ranked among the top 10 defenders in isolation defense over the past two seasons. His ability to guard at multiple positions, switch on rotations, and disrupt passing lanes has earned him recognition as a defensive force—all at a value below what many two‑way starters command financially.
The structure of this deal is significant. While similar extensions carry guarantees, the addition of a player‑option in 2029‑30 gives Jones control over his future. If he performs well and his market value spikes, he can opt out and seek a more lucrative deal. Conversely, this option provides flexibility and security. From a team perspective, the contract preserves cap flexibility and aligns Jones’s salary with his role, offering a win‑win for both sides .
Financially, the Pelicans have secured a bargain. According to WDSU, combining the existing contract and the extension yields a total of \$97 million over five years, fully guaranteed. According to CBSSports and ESPN, Jones could be one of the best value contracts in the NBA—a high-level defensive anchor at a 10‑to‑14 million annual rate, well below the full market rate for top perimeter defenders.
This extension comes amid a pivotal offseason for the Pelicans. Last season’s results (21–61) marked their worst winning percentage since 2005 ([SI][2]). The organization has now positioned Jones, alongside Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson, and others, at the core of its rebuild. The message is clear: defense and potential will define New Orleans’s next iteration .
Jones’s transformation since college is remarkable. A standout at Alabama under coach Nate Oats, he earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Player of the Year in 2021, alongside SEC All‑Defensive honors in 2020 and 2021 . Drafted in the second round, few predicted he’d become a cornerstone. Yet his work ethic, versatility, and steady improvement earned him All‑Rookie Second Team in 2022 and All‑Defensive First Team in 2024.
His injury-plagued 2024–25 campaign still offered glimpses of growth. In the 20 games he played, he averaged 32.4 minutes per game—the highest of his career—and contributed across multiple categories: offense, rebounding, playmaking, and defense . The extension indicates the Pelicans believe in his recovery and continued development.
The decision to lock up Jones reflects strategic timing. As elucidated by reports, the Pelicans declined his team option and offered the extension early—prior to free agency—ensuring they secured him affordably. This preemptive move reflects a savvy front office unafraid to invest in their defensive identity and retain key players.
The value here is manifest. A player with near All‑Defensive First Team skill set and rising offense, secured for \$68 million over three years, is a smart investment. Compare that to open market – elite two‑way wings can demand \$20 million+ annually. The Pelicans locked in a steady performer they drafted, minimizing risk while preserving future cap flexibility.
Context within the NBA labor market reinforces this. Other teams have paid significantly more for similar two‑way players. Jones’s situation mirrors recent signings of players like Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby—solid defensive wings with upside—yet he signed for well under those market examples. It’s a smart win for team builders .
Jones’s contract also makes him a trade asset. With Bird rights intact, he’s easier to move if needed. That said, public sentiment—especially fans—strongly supports keeping Jones in New Orleans. Reddit threads emphasize the value of his defense and character, calling him “the kind of guy that is loyal to the team who took a chance on him” . Another user noted, “I hope we can extend him this offseason for the cheap :)”, and that sentiment proved prophetic.
Fans also appreciate his work ethic. One Redditor praised his effort after a standout college performance: “His brain is his best asset. Very smart player. I think he’ll have a long career. During his NBA career, fans watched him rise steadily, culminating in consistent appreciation threads, e.g. “Herb Jones appreciation post” after a strong 2023 game.
Strategically, the extension comes at a time when New Orleans must balance paying its core: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, Trey Murphy III, and others soon to be due raises. Locking in Jones at a modest rate avoids ballooning payroll and maintains flexibility as the team charts its future.
Jones’s trajectory suggests further upside. He shot a career-high 42% from three in the 2023–24 season, showing real offensive growth . If he maintains that shooting touch, his two‑way skill set becomes even more valuable, making the contract a potential steal.
The player option also empowers Jones. If he blossoms into an All‑Star or a perennial defensive heavyweight, he can capitalize in free agency. But if he executes as expected, he earns a respectable \$97 million over five years, with autonomy in Year Five.
This extension marks another notable development in New Orleans’s player retention strategy. After committing to foundational pieces like Zion and Brandon, the organization is also investing in culture-building players. Jones—respected by teammates and coaches—fits that mold. His character, academic intelligence (SEC Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year), and professionalism make him a glue guy off the stat sheet.
Coach Willie Green and general manager Trajan Langdon admired Jones’s defensive leadership, communication, and off‑ball awareness—intangibles difficult to quantify but crucial against modern spacing and pick‑and‑pop offenses. These qualities likely earned him a long‑term opportunity.
Financially, New Orleans displays balance. This extension helps them avoid the luxury tax trap in the near term and allows for future flexibility. It also keeps Bird rights for trading and re-signing. The player‑option ensures Jones won’t feel locked in without recourse if he outperforms.
On a macro level, Jones’s extension reflects a broader league trend: valuing high‑IQ defenders who contribute across categories—steals, blocks, charges taken—within affordable contracts. Teams like Miami (Max Strus), Denver (Aaron Gordon), and Boston (Robert Williams) have shown how impactful these players can be. Jones’s deal may become a model for the next tier of defenders.
In the locker room, feedback has been positive. His teammates respect his selflessness and his habit of driving the same car daily—continued from his college days—underscoring his grounded personality . That relatability only enhances his role as a leader and community figure.
The timing also signals a shift in front office priorities. Rather than chasing free‑agent splashes, New Orleans is doubling down on internal development and culture. Retaining homegrown talent like Jones fortifies that strategy.
The broader Pelicans narrative is compelling. They are rebuilding around core stars, investing in complementary players, and seeking continuity. This extension is part of a pattern: drafting well, developing internally, committing to team culture.
Some risks remain. Jones must return fully from his labral tear, recapture his 2023–24 shooting efficiency, and maintain that defensive tenacity. But the structure of the deal mitigates those risks: if he underperforms or suffers another setback, the player option offers an exit. If he thrives, the team retains him or he redeems bigger paydays elsewhere.
Looking ahead, Pelicans fans have reason for optimism. Jones’s deal ensures continuity in defensive identity while preserving flexibility to surround Zion, Brandon, and CJ with quality role players. It also buys time: with roster refinement and player development, the team could push for playoff contention by 2026–27.
For Herb Jones, this is validation. From a second‑round pick to one of the league’s most valued two‑way wings, he now has financial security and respect. He stays in New Orleans, which invested in his growth, and gets rewarded for his hard work.
This extension reinforces several lessons:
* Defense matters. Smart, versatile defenders command high value, even when not traditional stars.
* Affordable contracts matter. Salary structure can shape roster flexibility and competitiveness.
* Culture counts. Investing in character guys builds team cohesion.
* Player empowerment. The player option gives Jones flexibility and control over his career.
Herb Jones’s path—from humble beginnings in Alabama to SEC honors, to NBA pedigree and now a lucrative extension—illustrates the power of fit, defense, and perseverance in the modern league. For the Pelicans, it’s a clear signal: they believe in who they are and who they want to be.
