NBA Teams Reportedly Interested in Pelicans' All-NBA Defender

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones has some trade interest

Apr 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) during the second half of a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Pelicans are reeling after a 5-20 start to the year. The team has a major decision to make regarding Brandon Ingram's future and how to get under the luxury cap. New Orleans has never paid the tax in franchise history, and all indications are they won't start now. A new report suggests the Pelicans could move players now for future assets.

ESPN insider Shams Charania reported the Pelicans may explore trade interests with CJ McCollum and Herb Jones amid the team's rough start to the season.

"The Pelicans are currently 5-20, in last place in the Western Conference, and now Ingram is out indefinitely with a significant low left ankle sprain. Williamson also remains sidelined indefinitely with a left hamstring strain suffered on Nov. 6...... Teams have already started expressing interest in the Pelicans' supporting cast players, such as Jones and McCollum."

Teams have begun to call the Pelicans about the potential availability of Herb Jones, per @ShamsCharania.

If New Orleans made Jones available, they would receive a significant amount of assets in return.

Jones is viewed as one of the NBA’s most versatile perimeter defenders. pic.twitter.com/4IvgbdsDxI

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) December 10, 2024

Jones is one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league and was named to the First Team all-NBA last season. Since being drafted by New Orleans in 2021, Jones has steadily improved his offensive game as well, shooting over 40% from three last season and bumping his scoring average every year in the league. Considering his impact on the floor, the former Alabama standout is on an ultra-team-friendly deal. Jones agreed to a four-year contract for $54 million in 2023.

With no certain path forward on Ingram, the Pelicans could move the former No. 2 overall pick before the trade deadline and acquire more future assets by moving McCollum and Jones. Losing a young, All-NBA defender like Jones, who is a fan favorite, would be an unpopular move, but New Orleans may be considering the franchise's long-term future. The Pelicans host the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

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