The New Orleans Pelicans have opted to decline Herb Jones’s team option for the 2023-2024 season. At first glance, it might seem like bad news, but the move is set up in a way that Jones will be a restricted free agent this summer and both Jones and New Orleans can towards a long-term extension.
If the Pelicans would have picked up the team option for the upcoming season he would be unrestricted after the next season, so they needed to protect and pay him
Jones was selected out of Alabama in the 2021 NBA draft with the No. 35 overall selection in the second round. Jones has been an absolute steal for the Pelicans as he has been a massive asset for the team, especially on the defensive end. Jones was an NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2022 but took a big step forward in 2023 averaging 29.6 minutes a game with 9.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 2.5 APG. However, Jones really made his mark in the play-in game when he played 39.1 minutes and posted 20 points, five rebounds and five assists.
The New Orleans Pelicans are declining forward Herb Jones’ $1.8 million team option for the 2023-24 season, which clears way for Jones to be a restricted free agent and for the sides to work toward a long-term extension, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2023
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