New Orleans Pelicans decline team option on Herb Jones' contract

The New Orleans Pelicans found a gem in the second round in Herb Jones. The Alabama product has been a warm welcome to the franchise over the past few seasons, showing his ability on the defensive end. Even so, Jones could find himself on the open market.

According to Sham Charania, the Pelicans are declining Jones’ team option for the 2023-2024 season. Jones was scheduled to make $1.8 million and he now becomes a restricted free agent.

However, New Orleans is still looking to keep Jones on the roster moving forward. Charania says both sides are looking to work on a long-term contract extension.

“The New Orleans Pelicans are declining forward Herb Jones’ $1.8 million team option for the 2023-24 season, which clears way for Jones to be a restricted free agent and for the sides to work toward a long-term extension, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium,” Charania said via Twitter.

New Orleans could have elected to accept the team option, keeping Jones’ salary at $1.8 million. However, he would have been an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Keeping him restricted allows the Pelicans to match any offer another team throws at Jones.

Jones was named to the NBA All-Rookie second team following the 2021-2022 season, a huge accomplishment for him. If the Pelicans does resign him, they will be hoping more awards head in the direction of a true fan favorite in New Orleans.

Herb Jones to earn long-term deal in NBA

Whether or not the Pelicans wind up being the team, Jones will have a long-term landing spot somewhere in the NBA. The nickname Straitjacket and Not on Herb should give you a pretty good indication of why.

Jones is known for his defensive ability, locking down some of the league’s top players. Many feel as if he was snubbed from the NBA All-Defensive team this past season, not earning enough votes. Either way, having a piece such as Jones can be a vital part of your roster.

On the offensive end, Jones has averaged 9.7 points and 2.3 assists per game throughout his career. Year Two saw improvement from the former second-round pick, being above his season averages from his rookie year.

New Orleans is getting a head start on the rest of the league by making Jones a restricted free agent. It’s clear they have him in their future plans, making sure he cannot truly hit the open market.