The New Orleans Pelicans aren't waiting around for the Herb Jones bounceback season.
The team agreed to a contract extension with its defensive stopper, according to a report from Shams Charania of ESPN, for another 3 years, $68 million.
The timing of the deal is interesting, considering Jones was limited to just 20 games in the 2024-'25 season due to multiple shoulder injuries. Jones had been a picture of health over his first three seasons after the Pels drafted him in the second round out of Alabama, rolling up career averages of 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals while earning a rotational role early in his rookie season. Jones shot a career-high 41.8% from 3-point range in the 2023-'24 season and was named first-team all defense.
The deal keeps Jones under contract through 2029.
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Jones' deal is the latest in a series of aggressive moves to kick off the Joe Dumars era, which have included a host of trades. One of those deals sent veterans Kelly Olynyk and CJ McCollum out of town in exchange for Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey, while another pair of trades added an extra first-round pick that ultimately turned into former Maryland standout Derik Queen. He and No. 7 overall pick Jeremiah Fears are highlighting the team's Summer League roster, with games being played this week in las Vegas.
The Pelicans are expected to continue to build around Zion Williamson, with fellow 2021 draft pick Trey Murphy III expected to pack a big scoring punch.