Pelicans agree to a three-year extension with defensive anchor

Jones is currently set to earn $13.9M this season and $14.9M in 2026-27. This extension will add on to the end of that ’26-27 figure, meaning he’s now under contract for a total of about $97M with a player option for ’29-30.

The coveted defensive ace has evolved into a leader and mainstay for the Pelicans after being selected 35th overall in the 2021 draft. In four seasons with New Orleans, Jones holds averages of 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.7 blocks.

Jones joins Trey Murphy and Zion Williamson as the only players under contract through at least 2027-28, though Dejounte Murray and their young players have options through those years.

As ESPN’s Bobby Marks points out, Jones will earn $20.9M in ’27-28, which is the full 140% allowable increase on the final year of his current contract as a veteran. He’ll also earn $22.5M in ’28-29, and this option year is worth $24.2M.

Jones has drawn plenty of outside interest due to his lockdown defense and growing three-point ability (he shot 41.8% in his last fully healthy season). However, with both he and Murphy on respectable and affordable deals, New Orleans doesn’t have to be in any rush to move either, if at all. 

A premium price should be expected in any potential conversations regarding either player, and New Orleans did well to make sure a valuable piece was secured for the long haul.