Herb Jones, former Alabama forward, reportedly signs long-term extension with Pelicans
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Herb Jones has had a strong start to his NBA career, carving out a starting role with the New Orleans Pelicans out of the gate as a rookie during the 2021-22 season. Now, he’s reportedly signing a major long-term extension with the franchise.
According to Andrew Lopez and Adrian Wojnarowski with ESPN, Jones and the Pelicans are in agreement on a 4-year deal worth $54 million. Jones declined a personal option in order to sign a long-term deal.
Story with @wojespn: Herb Jones stays with the Pelicans on 4-year, $54M deal, his agents Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller of @PrioritySports told ESPN. https://t.co/DD52lluvEI
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) July 1, 2023
Jones originally joined the Pelicans as a 2nd round pick (35th overall) during the 2021 NBA Draft out of Alabama. A versatile 6-foot-8 forward, Jones appeared in 78 games and started 69 of them as a rookie.
As a rookie, Jones averaged 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 48% from the floor and 34% from 3-point range. He earned All-Rookie honors in the process. Jones has started 135 games across his first 2 seasons in the NBA and now has a long-term deal to build on.
Jones was a 1st-team All-SEC and the league’s Player of the Year during the 2020-21 season. He was also the SEC Defensive Player of the Year that season while averaging 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks to go with 11.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists for the Crimson Tide.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
