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Trade Rumors Regarding Key New Orleans Pelicans Player Get Dallas Mavericks Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Jan 2, 2025 11:26 AM ET

This season has been a complete disaster for the New Orleans Pelicans as they currently hold the worst record in the NBA.

The Pelicans’ season was over as soon as it started thanks to their roster being hit by the injury bug. Almost every player on their roster has missed time due to injury, including their star duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, who have missed a ton of time this season.

With the Pelicans’ season already over, they are expected to be a major seller before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. There have been reports that they are interested in trading almost everyone, including Zion and Ingram.

One Pelicans’ player who has received some interest in the trade market this season is Herbert Jones, but it is believed that New Orleans is not looking to move him.

According to The Athletic’s Christian Clark, Jones is a potential trade target for the Dallas Mavericks.

“The Mavericks have contemplated trying to add an impact perimeter defender before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, front-office sources on rival teams told The Athletic. The New Orleans Pelicans’ Herb Jones, who last season was the only non-center to make the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team, is one player who fits that description. But there is little belief in NBA circles that the Pelicans will actually move him.”

While Clark reported that the Mavericks are interested in Jones, he also mentioned that the Pelicans are not looking to move him, which means Dallas will have to look elsewhere to find an impact defender.

Jones is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, and he has also improved offensively. This season, the 26-year-old is averaging 10.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 28.8% from three.

With the Pelicans wanting to keep Jones around, it is clear that they view him as a key piece of their future, especially if they begin a rebuild. If they do change their minds though, expect Dallas and many other teams to try and land the defensive maestro.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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