NBA Trade Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Linked to Pelicans 3-And-D Wing 1 Apr 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) during the second half of a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

'One of the Best Contracts in the League' – New Orleans Pelicans’ All-Defensive Star is Off Limits in Trade Talks, Claims Insider

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 10:21 AM ET

NBA insider Jake Fischer recently reported that the New Orleans Pelicans are keen to hold on to Herbert Jones for as long as possible.

The New Orleans Pelicans swingman will earn roughly $13.9 million next season and $14.9 million in 2026-27 before hitting unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027, which is considered a massive bargain because of his elite defensive chops and high upside.

“I am not expecting a Herb Jones trade. One of the best contracts in the league, New Orleans knows that. As much as New Orleans has done some funky things, I don’t think they’re moving Herb Jones anytime soon,” Fischer said during a Bleacher Report live stream.

Los Angeles Clippers: Kawhi Leonard Shares the 1 Huge Reason Why It Wasn't Appealing for Him to Go to the Los Angeles Lakers 6 Mar 15, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) and LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) chase a loose ball during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Jones is coming off an injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign, having played only 20 regular season games. The 26-year-old averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals on 43.6 percent shooting from the field.

New Orleans Pelicans listed as surprise team in the Jonathan Kuminga sweepstakes

NBA insider Jake Fischer also revealed that the New Orleans Pelicans are in the mix for Jonathan Kuminga . The 22-year-old swingman is searching for a fresh start after an up-and-down stint with the Golden State Warriors.

Oct 30, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (24) shoots over Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) and forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

“I’ve confirmed that the Pelicans hold an interest in Kuminga, but various team salary cap experts have pointed out to me that New Orleans has no easy route to take Kuminga on its books at his desired contract range,” Fischer wrote on The Stein Line.

“The cap gymnastics needed to keep the Pelicans out of the luxury tax — which has been a perennial priority for ownership — are described as considerable,” he added.