The New Orleans Pelicans have made a strong commitment to one of their most consistent players, agreeing to a three-year, $68 million contract extension with forward Herb Jones. The deal keeps Jones in New Orleans through the 2028-29 season, with a player option for the 2029-30 campaign.
This extension isn’t just a reward; it’s a bet being made by Joe Dumars. A bet that Jones, a defensive star since entering the league in 2021, has more room to grow offensively and can become a more well-rounded weapon as he moves into the second half of his 20s.
Jones, a former second-round pick out of Alabama, has earned his reputation as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders. His versatility has allowed the Pelicans to deploy him in a variety of schemes, and he’s guarded the backcourt, the frontcourt, and everywhere in between. In his career, he’s racked up more than 350 steals and 150 blocks, earned All-Defensive honors, and been Willie Green’s stopper in clutch moments.
But while his defense is unquestioned, the offensive side of the ball remains a bigger unknown.
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
Jones averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in the 2024-25 season, a step back from the previous season. That year, he shot over 40 percent from three on low volume (273 attempts), showing progress as a floor spacer. However, he has yet to establish himself as a reliable secondary creator or scorer. His offensive game is still largely opportunistic, cutting off the ball, running in transition, or scoring off broken plays.
Of course, Jones missed most of last season after suffering a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He was limited to just 20 games before undergoing season-ending surgery. While he’s expected to be fully healthy for training camp, it’s another reminder of how fragile timelines can be, particularly for players who rely so heavily on defensive energy and physicality.
By giving Jones a three-year deal, the front office sends a clear signal that he remains a central figure in their long-term plans. But at 26 years old, and with four NBA seasons under his belt, it’s fair to ask whether the player we’ve seen is close to his peak. The Pelicans are paying him like he has another level to reach, particularly as the team continues to search for offensive consistency.
This is not a knock on Herb Jones. Even if he doesn’t get any better, he’s still a valuable player. The Pelicans are a better team with Jones on the roster. But in a league where $20 million-plus per year is generally reserved for two-way impact players, this deal will only age well if Jones becomes a more complete offensive threat.
New Orleans is betting on continuity, character, and the belief that Jones’s work ethic will keep pushing his ceiling higher. For a franchise trying to re-establish itself after a disastrous 21-61 campaign, that’s a reasonable gamble. But it’s still a gamble. If Jones plateaus or struggles to stay on the floor, this contract could look like one made more with the heart than the head.
Time will tell whether the Pelicans are locking in a cornerstone or investing in a player whose best basketball is already behind him. Either way, the message is clear: Herb Jones is part of the plan, for better or worse.
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