One of the all-time greats in the history of Alabama basketball just got paid again.
New Orleans Pelicans defensive anchor Herb Jones agreed to a 3-year, $68 million contract extension with the franchise on Thursday, in a move that will lock him up in New Orleans through the 2029-30 NBA season.
Jones was part of rampant trade speculation this offseason as the disappointing Pelicans considered blowing up their core and starting from scratch. Jones's defensive prowess and improved three-point shooting make him a valuable piece in NBA circles, and plenty of suitors would have lined up to try and make a deal for him if the Pelicans were seriously exploring a trade.
Instead, the Pelicans reaffirmed their commitment to Jones as a key member of their plans moving forward with a contract extension.
The new contract will constitute a big raise for the former Tide star. In 2023, Jones signed a 4-year, $53 million deal with the Pelicans that paid him an average annual salary of around $13 million per season. His new contract will take his AAV north of $20 million.
Herb Jones has carved out a valuable NBA role
Jones will be in the NBA for years to come. After an outstanding career in Tuscaloosa, which culminated in an SEC Championship in 2021, Jones was a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans. Many questioned his viability as an actual NBA player, but a second major contract extension has proven he's not only an NBA player, but a valued one at that.
Jones only played 20 games this past season thanks to a torn rotator cuff, but was coming off a season in which he made the NBA's All-Defensive 1st Team. Jones has earned a reputation as one of the league's best - and most versatile - defenders. Prior to his injury last season, Jones was averaging a career-high 1.9 steals per game.
He has also greatly improved his offensive game. He was a liability as a shooter the majority of his career at Alabama, but in four seasons in the NBA, he's shot an average of 36.6% from long range.
Jones is the type of player who isn't flashy, but he does all the little things necessary to win games. Unfortunately, the Pelicans have been a mess around him during his short NBA career, but there's plenty of talent in New Orleans if the roster can enjoy a healthy season together.
If things continue to go south for the Pelicans, Jones will remain a valuable trade chip on a contract that will age well as the cap continues to spike.