The New Orleans Pelicans have decided not to exercise the team option on Herb Jones’ contract, according to sources familiar with the matter. However, the team remains optimistic about re-signing him on a more extended deal. Jones, who was selected by the Pelicans as a second-round draft pick in 2021, quickly made his way into the starting lineup due to his exceptional defensive skills. Over his first two seasons, Jones has started in 135 out of 144 possible games for New Orleans. While he has averaged 9.7 points, his standout performance has been on the defensive end. Although he narrowly missed making an all-defensive team during his rookie season, Jones has shown significant improvement in his shooting, particularly in the latter part of the season. His three-point shooting percentage improved from 33.7% as a rookie to 33.5% last season, and after the All-Star break, he shot an impressive 44.4% on 2.3 attempts per game. The Pelicans have the option to bring Jones back as a restricted free agent with early Bird rights, offering him a maximum contract worth $53.3 million over four years.
Pelicans’ Decisions on Willy Hernangomez and Jaxson Hayes
In addition to Herb Jones, the Pelicans have also made decisions regarding center Willy Hernangomez and center/power forward Jaxson Hayes. The team opted not to exercise the $2.6 million team option on Hernangomez’s contract. Hernangomez, who primarily served as a backup during his three seasons with the Pelicans, averaged 6.9 points and 4.7 rebounds in 38 games last season. As for Hayes, the Pelicans chose not to extend a qualifying offer worth $7.7 million. Since being selected as the eighth overall pick in the 2019 draft, Hayes has had a fluctuating role with the team, playing at both center and power forward positions. He experienced his best stretch during the 2021-22 season when he started at the power forward position alongside Jonas Valanciunas, averaging 11.0 points and 5.7 rebounds over the final 24 games. However, Hayes returned to a backup role in the following season, averaging 5.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 47 games. Despite these decisions, sources indicate that the Pelicans may still consider bringing Hayes back.
Contract Deadline Extension for Garrett Temple
The Pelicans have also granted an extension for the contract deadline of Garrett Temple. Originally set for Thursday, the guarantee date for Temple’s $5.4 million contract for the upcoming season has been postponed to July 7. Temple, a 37-year-old native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is expected to continue playing for New Orleans.
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