The NBA offseason is in full swing after the Oklahoma City Thunder won the NBA title. Every team is trying to improve their roster to compete come October. One of those teams making sure their team gets better is the New Orleans Pelicans.

According to ESPN Senior Insider Shams Charania, the New Orleans Pelicans have extended forward Herb Jones to a three year contract extension worth $68 million. Adding on to his previous deal that is still going, Jones has a total five years and $97 million with a player option in 2029-30. 

Jones was drafted by the Pelicans with 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft. Prior to moving to the “Big Easy”, Jones played his college basketball at The University of Alabama where he won the 2021 SEC Player of the Year, First Team All-SEC in 2021, SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, and a 2-time SEC All Defensive team. 

Since being drafted by the Pelicans, Jones has gained a reputation not just as one of the best wing defenders in the league, but one of the best defensive players in the league. His accolades since coming to the NBA include being named to the NBA All Rookie Second Team in 2022 and the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2024.

On the offensive side, Jones has a career average of 10 points per game, four rebounds a game, and three assists per game. Due to the New Orleans Pelicans being one of the worst teams in the Western Conference last year, Jones has been in trade rumors since the team was eliminated.

New Orleans ultimately decided that Jones was too much of a valuable asset to let go.