Pelicans extend one of NBA’s best defenders through 2030
Jan 7, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2) reacts to a foul by Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
A bet on the future despite a challenging season
The New Orleans Pelicans have officially announced a contract extension for Herb Jones for three additional years. The defensive wing, already under contract until 2027, will receive $68 million for this extension, bringing his total commitment to $97 million over five years through 2030.
This extension represents a calculated bet by the Pelicans, considering Jones’ truncated 2024-2025 season. Limited to only 20 games due to a shoulder injury, the 26-year-old wing still maintained solid statistics with averages of 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals in 32 minutes per game.
Despite this challenging season, Jones remains considered a defensive « game changer » when at 100% physically. His defensive value was particularly evident in 2024 when he finished 5th in Defensive Player of the Year voting and was selected to the All-Defensive First Team.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones has agreed to a three-year, $68 million contract extension with the franchise, Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller of @PrioritySports told ESPN. Jones now has a total five years and $97M on his Pelicans deal – with player option in 2029-30. pic.twitter.com/qXTvYT7Rym
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 10, 2025
Encouraging offensive progress
Beyond his recognized defensive abilities, Herb Jones has shown significant progress on offense. His best season remains 2024 with averages of 11.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals. Even more impressive were his remarkable shooting percentages: 50% from the field, 42% from three-point range, and 87% from the free-throw line.
Drafted 35th overall in 2021, Jones has established himself as an essential element of the Pelicans system. His versatile profile, capable of defending a wide variety of players while providing increasing offensive contributions, justifies this long-term investment.
The contract includes a « player option » for the 2029-2030 season, giving Jones the possibility to become a free agent one year early. This extension provides the Pelicans with valuable stability around one of their defensive pillars, while rewarding the consistent progression of a player who has become indispensable in Louisiana.
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