Pelicans’ Herb Jones Draws Trade Interest Amid Limited Minutes
Herb Jones trade rumors circulate as teams monitor his limited minutes with the Pelicans, who seek two first-round picks.
The New Orleans Pelicans are facing trade speculation around forward Herb Jones, with teams monitoring his situation. Jones is averaging a career-low 17 minutes per game, sparking rumors about his future.
According to Shamit Dua of The Athletic, multiple league sources indicate teams are watching Jones’ playing time and could pursue him if the Pelicans lower their asking price.
Pelicans’ High Asking Price
The Pelicans are reportedly seeking two first-round picks for Jones, a price no team has met. His value may decline if his minutes remain limited, and his contract jumps to $20.8 million next year.
Despite this, several playoff teams view Jones as a valuable addition for both his basketball skills and cultural fit.
One potential suitor is the Oklahoma City Thunder, who could absorb Jones’ $14.9 million salary and have a wealth of future draft assets. And while that will put them into the second apron, potentially season-ending injuries to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace could make them desperate enough to go there (it could also motivate a gap year, but we won’t entertain that here).
The Thunder suddenly need some wing depth. And even if Jones’ three-point percentage doesn’t bounce back to where it was in 2023-24 (when he was at 41.8 percent from deep), his perimeter defense would make him an instant culture fit in OKC.
For the Pelicans, trading Jones for two first-round picks would provide future assets and open up developmental minutes for younger players.
Potential Trade Scenarios
A trade with the Brooklyn Nets could involve Terance Mann and multiple second-round picks. Mann’s expiring contract in 2027-28 could offer financial flexibility, though the lack of first-rounders may be a hurdle.
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The Nets, with a massive stash of second-rounders, could justify offering three or four picks for Jones, who would bolster their defense. Brooklyn has a decent offensive foundation with Michael Porter Jr., Julius Randle and several young playmakers with a chance to become impact players on that end, but it’s woefully short on defense.
Another option is a deal with the Golden State Warriors, involving Kristaps Porziņģis and a lottery-protected 2027 first-round pick. This would provide the Pelicans with financial flexibility and a potential first-round pick in 2027.
Pelicans’ Coaching Strategy and Jones’ Role
The Pelicans’ coaching staff has been criticized for not utilizing Jones’ defensive abilities during key moments in games. Despite the team’s struggles, Jones’ playing time remains limited, fueling trade rumors.
A recent video of Jones and Dumars speaking at practice has further sparked speculation about his future with the team. The Pelicans’ reluctance to showcase Jones may impact his trade value, as teams question his role and potential.
Trade Scenarios and Team Fits
Part of the motivation for New Orleans on this one would be the increased financial flexibility it’d have with Terance Mann. His deal expires two years earlier than Jones’. Having him as an expiring contract next season could make him a good trade piece in 2027-28, too.
And Jones is the kind of wing that would both fit with the Nets and potentially be worth that many late picks.
Turning a player currently on the fringe of the rotation into two future assets, while opening up some developmental minutes for younger players, makes plenty of sense for the Pelicans.
