After making their second playoff appearance since the start of the new decade last season, many had high hopes for the New Orleans Pelicans. In the offseason, they traded for Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks and re-tooled their roster a little. Unfortunately for them, the 2024-25 NBA season has not gone as well as the Pelicans expected. Largely due to a multitude of injuries, the Pelicans are 5-20 and only rank above the 3-19 Washington Wizards in the standings. This has led to many speculating whether the Pelicans will be active in the trade market. So far, names like Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones, and even Zion Williamson (though this was quickly refuted) have appeared in trade rumors. With the trade deadline just two months away, the Pelicans are a team to offer. However, despite the rumors, the Pelicans have “no interest” in shipping away one of their trade candidates.
NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer (subscription required) recently reported that the Pelicans are unlikely to trade Jones.
“This feels like an annual exercise here, but league sources tell The Stein Line that teams interested in Herb Jones amid the injury-ravaged Pelicans’ 5-20 misery needn’t bother. New Orleans, sources said, has no interest in fielding trade pitches for its highly regarded perimeter defensive ace.”
Last season, Jones had a breakout campaign. In his third year in New Orleans, the Alabama native averaged 11 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Additionally, he shot 49.8% from the field and 41.8% from beyond the arc. Most notably, Jones finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting and earned All-Defensive First Team honors for the first time in his career.
New Orleans Pelicans Unlikely to Trade Herbert Jones
What Herbert Jones Brings to New Orleans
Jones is best known for his talents on the defensive side of the ball. Arguably the best wing defender in the NBA, Jones played a crucial role in New Orleans’ success last season. Additionally, he has improved as an offensive threat, though his three-point shooting numbers are down to begin the new season.
Last offseason, the Pelicans signed Jones to a new four-year, $53.8 million deal. This will keep him under contract through the 2026-27 season. At just 26 years old, Jones is in a position to help the Pelicans now and in the long run.
The Likelihood of the New Orleans Pelicans Making a Trade
Though it appears Jones is safe from the trading block, this is not true for the rest of the roster. Ingram remains the most likely trade candidate for the Pelicans. In the midst of a contract year, many expected the Pelicans to trade the Duke alum over the offseason. This, of course, did not come to fruition. Still, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, a trade involving Ingram is not only an option, but it is likely.
Brandon Ingram reportedly turned down an extension from New Orleans last year that would have paid him $50 million per year, per @ShamsCharania
(h/t @PelsFilmRoom )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 10, 2024
“They’ve been really bouncing trade versus extension since the offseason,” Charania said. “As it stands right now, because of their salary cap situation this year and the next years to come, an extension at even his current salary of $36 million, they just can’t reach it as an organization, as of right now. That’s what makes the trade route more likely.”
So far, Ingram has been linked to multiple teams with the Los Angeles Lakers being the most popular destination. However, a Lakers reunion currently seems unlikely for Ingram. As he deals with an injury, trading Ingram could prove difficult for the Pelicans. Even so, it seems like a matter of when, not if, the Pelicans will trade Ingram.
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