Pelicans Eye Future with Strategic Herb Jones Trade Decision
The New Orleans Pelicans are experiencing a challenging start to the season, currently sitting at 2-6 following back-to-back victories. While the recent wins might provide a glimmer of hope, the road to relevance remains fraught with obstacles. Zion Williamson’s ongoing absences raise concerns, and the Pelicans seem ill-prepared to contend in the competitive Western Conference.
Rookies Leading the Charge
Despite these challenges, the emergence of rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen offers a silver lining. Their performances suggest that the Pelicans might be better served by focusing on developing these young talents rather than desperately pursuing a Play-In spot. This strategic pivot requires a forward-thinking approach, especially in light of past missteps like the controversial decision to trade an unprotected first-round pick for the 13th overall selection that became Queen.
New Orleans must not allow previous errors to dictate their future moves. Instead, a clear vision for the franchise’s trajectory is essential.
The Case for Selling High on Herb Jones
As the Pelicans assess their roster, the focus should shift to accumulating assets and maximizing flexibility. This pivotal moment necessitates tough choices, including the potential trade of Herb Jones, whose current value may never be higher.
After a season marred by a shoulder injury, Jones has returned with a vengeance, showcasing an impressive shooting percentage of over 45% from beyond the arc while averaging 4.1 attempts per game. This marks a significant improvement in his offensive game, complementing his already stellar defense.
Jones’s versatility as a defender allows him to guard multiple positions, making him one of the league’s most respected three-and-D players. At 27 years old, he represents a valuable asset for contenders looking to bolster their playoff chances. His skill set could be pivotal for a team aiming for a championship run, making him less valuable to a lottery-bound squad like the Pelicans.
Capitalizing on Trade Value
With Jones now healthy and performing well, the Pelicans stand to gain a considerable return from a potential trade. Currently, he is on a manageable contract worth $13.9 million for this season, extending for three more years. His salary is set to increase to $20.8 million in 2027-28, but with the anticipated rise in the salary cap, his value should align with his age and skill set.
A trade could yield multiple first-round picks and a promising young player, providing the Pelicans with the assets needed to reshape their roster. The time to explore this option is now, as prolonging the decision could diminish his trade value, especially if the team faces another disappointing season.
As the Pelicans navigate these crucial decisions, the choices made in the coming weeks will undoubtedly shape the franchise’s future. The focus must remain on building a competitive team, and moving Jones at peak value could be a significant step in that direction.
