Pelicans Decline Team Options, Qualifying Offer for Role Players
Andrew Lopez (The Athletic), Christian Clark (TP/Advocate), and Shams Charania (The Athletic) have reported on the New Orleans Pelicans' personnel moves involving defensive standout Herb Jones, as well as center-forwards Willy Hernangomez and Jaxson Hayes.
Mar 12, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) and forward Herbert Jones (5) hold back Portland Trail Blazers guard Matisse Thybulle (4) on a free throw attempt during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
HERB JONES
New Orleans declined their $1.8 million team option on Jones, making him a restricted free agent. The team can retain Jones due to the "Arenas provision" in the 2005 CBA, which allows them to match or surpass any offer made by another team. The belief is for the Pelicans' front office to negotiate a deal to keep the Alabama product in the Big Easy.
Jones averaged 9.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.6 steals, and 2.8 APG, with a player impact estimate of 6.8 in 2022-23.
Mar 4, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes (10) reacts after dunking against the Utah Jazz in the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
JAXSON HAYES
The Pelicans have decided to take a different approach with center-forward Jaxon Hayes. After the team chose not to offer him a qualifying deal, he became an unrestricted free agent. Hayes showed some potential as a bench player during his four seasons, but his inconsistent performance may have contributed to the team's decision.
Hayes averaged 5.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.7 APG, and a player impact estimate of 9.0 in 2023-23.
Jan 24, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Willy Hernangomez (9) reacts to a play against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
WILLY HERNANGOMEZ
The Spanish center-forward had a supporting role with the Pelicans. New Orleans declined the team option on his contract. Hernangomez had 38 game appearances averaging 12 MPG, 6.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 0.9 APG.
The team plans to create a new deal for Jones by letting Hayes and Hernangomez become free agents, freeing up cap space. They will also be in the market for a versatile center-forward to strengthen the frontcourt alongside Williamson and Valanciunas.
