Star NBA Defender Officially Signs Multi-Year Contract With Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have had a surprisingly busy 2025 NBA offseason, headlined by the acquisition of Jordan Poole in a big trade with the Washington Wizards, but they have made plenty of other moves to gear up for their 2025-26 campaign.

The Pelicans have an impressive core group, and they are doing all they can to keep it together for the long term. After ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Pelicans are signing star defender Herb Jones to a three-year, $68 million contract extension, the franchise has made it official.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones has agreed to a three-year, $68 million contract extension with the franchise, Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller of @PrioritySports told ESPN. Jones now has a total five years and $97M on his Pelicans deal – with player option in 2029-30. pic.twitter.com/qXTvYT7Rym
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 10, 2025

"The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the team has signed Herb Jones to a multi-year contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed," the Pelicans announced.

"Jones, 6-7, 212, earned NBA First Team All-Defensive honors following the 2023-24 season after finishing the regular season as one of four players in the NBA to compile at least 100 steals and 60 blocks. His 1.4 steals per game tied for seventh among all qualified NBA players, and his 105 total steals ranked 11th in the NBA.

"During the season, Jones ranked fifth among non-centers in the NBA with 167 STOCKS (steals + blocks). Jones also ranked fourth in the NBA in contested (257) and blocked (15) three-pointers. Since entering the league and earning Second Team All-Rookie honors in the 2021-22 season, Jones is one of eight players in the NBA with 350 steals and 150 blocks."

Dec 30, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2) against the LA Clippers on a free throw attempt during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Pelicans executive Joe Dumars commented on the decision to sign Jones to a contract extension.

"Herb Jones exemplifies all the great qualities our team values with his toughness, competitiveness, and commitment to getting better every day. We could not be more excited to sign Herb to this contract extension and keep him in New Orleans for many years to come," Dumars said.

Joe Dumars on Herb Jones:

“Herb Jones exemplifies all the great qualities our team values with his toughness, competitiveness, and commitment to getting better every day. We could not be more excited to sign Herb to this contract extension and keep him in New Orleans for many… https://t.co/HKPrqA1poz
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 15, 2025

The 26-year-old forward will certainly be a huge part of New Orleans' future, so keeping him around through, at least, the 2028-29 season is ideal.

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