NBA Trade Rumors: Pelicans 'Not Open' to Herb Jones Offers Ahead of 2024 Deadline

The New Orleans Pelicans are not entertaining trade offers that involve defensive-minded forward Herb Jones, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

"It was relayed to me in rather strong terms over the weekend that the Pelicans, contrary to one recent report, are not open to fielding offers on defensive ace Herb Jones," Stein wrote.

Jones is averaging 10.2 points, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting a career-high 37.8 percent from three this season. The Pelicans are 25-15 in his 40 appearances.

Action Network's Matt Moore initially reported on Saturday that the Pelicans are high on Jones, but would be "open" to moving him. Moore also noted that the looming contract extension that sharpshooting wing Trey Murphy III is eligible for during the upcoming offseason could be a factor in the decision, as New Orleans exercised Murphy III's fourth-year option.

This could put the Pelicans in a tricky cap situation, as Zion Williamson and C.J. McCollum will both earn more than $30 million annually through the 2025-26 season (via Spotrac). Brandon Ingram will also make more than $30 million per year for the 2024-25 campaign before his contract runs out, although the team's front office will likely attempt to retain the former All-Star as well.

Jones is on an inexpensive contract relative to his play on the court, signing a four-year deal worth roughly $54 million to stay in New Orleans in June 2023. The Pelicans' front office is likely hesitant to break up the head coach Willie Green's current rotation due to the team's success as of late, winning 21 of their past 33 games.

Instead, New Orleans will focus on retaining Jones and attempting to make the playoffs for the second time in the past three seasons.