The New Orleans Pelicans shocked NBA executives early this offseason by trading an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to land Derik Queen in the 2025 NBA Draft. Following that trade, many around the league wondered if forward Herb Jones could be acquired at a discount rate.
In his NBA Insider Notebook for Bleacher Report, insider Jake Fischer said he doesn’t expect Jones to be traded with the Pelicans’ front office still valuing him very highly.
“I am not expecting a Herb Jones trade. One of the best contracts in the league, New Orleans knows that. As much as New Orleans has done some funky things, I don’t think they’re moving Herb Jones any time soon.”
Jake Fischer on if the New Orleans Pelicans will trade Herb Jones
Related: New Orleans Pelicans mocked for Derick Queen trade
- Herb Jones stats: 10.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 43.6% FG, .033 Win Shares per 48 Minutes in 20 games
Jones, age 26, played in only 20 games last season after suffering a torn rotator cuff that required season-ending surgery. Prior to the 2024-25 campaign, however, Jones was recognized as one of the best defenders in the NBA.
The former second-round pick is also playing on one of the best NBA contracts right now, which gives him added value in an era when the new CBA makes it extremely difficult to assemble a long-term core.
- Herb Jones contract (Spotrac): $13.927 million cap hit (2025-26), $14.898 million cap hit (2026-27)
Next season, Jones’ salary ranks 50th among forwards, behind the likes of Corey Kispert, Jonathan Isaac, and Duncan Robinson. In addition to his All-Defensive Team ability, Jones has been a steady scorer in his last two healthy seasons.
While Jones is a very valuable trade asset, New Orleans needs to try to be competitive next season since the Atlanta Hawks own the rights to the Pelicans’ 2026 first-round pick. If Jones is going to be dealt, it likely wouldn’t be until February if the team is near the bottom of the standings.
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