Why surprising Pelicans move is the right one

ESPN's Andrew Lopez put it more succinctly. 

Pels guard Jose Alvarado, an undrafted free agent from the same class as Jones, celebrated the news, knowing it means Jones can expect a raise this season. 

NOLA.com's Christian Clark laid out the Pels' options for Jones earlier in the day, which also included the team picking up the option and him hitting restricted free agency next year or picking up the option and working toward a long-term deal at a later date. 

According to numbers from salary-cap analyst Yossi Gozlan, the move makes sense from a financial perspective.

Jones is certainly worth that price tag over the next four seasons. He's one of the best young perimeter defenders in the league and should only get better as he enters his prime.

By locking him up this offseason as opposed to waiting until later, it allows the Pels to get a great deal on a defensive cornerstone instead of him having another strong season and demanding more money on the market next year in free agency.

Some risk is involved in that a desperate franchise could attempt to throw more money at Jones than New Orleans can offer. However, with the league adjusting to the collective bargaining agreement and stronger penalties for constantly going over the salary cap, teams might be hesitant to break the bank for Jones.

Plus, it takes two to tango, and the Pelicans likely already have some idea that the feeling is mutual in completing a long-term deal.

Until one is reached, however, there will be plenty of speculation on where Jones will play this season. But that's just smoke without a fire.