The Pelicans are declining their team options on Herbert Jones and Willy Hernangomez and opted against issuing a qualifying offer to Jaxson Hayes, according to reports from Shams Charania of The Athletic (via Twitter) and Christian Clark of NOLA.com (Twitter link).
Declining Jones’ $1.84MM option makes him a restricted free agent and the two sides plan to discuss a long-term contract, per Charania. The move is a little odd though, because he would have been a restricted free agent in 2024 even if the Pelicans had picked up the option.
Since he just finished his second season, New Orleans will only have Jones’ Early Bird rights, so he’ll be an Arenas provision restricted free agent, the same as Lakers guard Austin Reaves. It seems likely that the Pelicans have a good sense of what he might sign for by going this route, though they’ll be limited in what they can offer him outright.
Jones has made a major impact for the Pelicans after being selected 35th overall two years ago, averaging 9.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.3 APG and 1.6 SPG on .473/.336/.802 shooting in 144 games (135 starts, 29.8 MPG). He’s a top-tier defender, earning All-Defensive votes as a rookie.
Unlike Jones, Hernangomez and Hayes are headed for unrestricted free agency. Both centers were reserves in ’22/23, receiving situational minutes but not much more.
Hernangomez, 29, just completed his seventh season, having made previous stops with the Knicks and Hornets. He averaged 6.9 PPG and 4.7 RPG in 38 games last season (12.1 MPG) and is reportedly a positive locker room presence.
Hayes, meanwhile, has mostly disappointed after being picked eighth overall in 2019, averaging just 5.0 PPG and 2.8 RPG in 47 games (13.0 MPG) in ’22/23. He’s still only 23, is a strong athlete, and there are a dearth of big men on the market, so he could be a buy-low candidate in free agency.
Herb Jones would look nice in a wine & gold Cavaliers uniform.
He would look nice in any uniform. Surprised Pels didn’t garauntee. He was bound to get a few offers in FA. They may lose him!
True but the Cavaliers can offer something most teams can’t. It’s called playing time. Jones skills would fit well with Bickerstaff’s defense first philosophy while being an upgrade on Okoro on offense. With The Cav’s having effectively 2 point guards on the floor in the starting lineup Jones Field Goal Percentage is likely to soar. In New Orleans he’ll just wind up being a backup with less PT each year.
Herb Jones is definitely somebody they need to bring back. He’s a great defensive player.
Jaxson Hayes is a guy that needs a change of scenery. He still has potential.
I dont get why they wouldnt take the extra year of control on someone that is a valuable asset
Cost more next year
They’ll be gaining a good deal of control here soon and keeping him from ever reaching the market a year from now
Timberpuppies are rumored to be in on signing Hayes as they embark on their revolutionary, franchise altering philosophy of playing FIVE BIGS at the same time.
You should comment that on every article. It gets funnier every time…
Towns needs to be better. Gobert needs a shot of some sort. To much turnover. Conely and future pick for Paul. Find sixth man scoring SF. Give Culver another chance. Maybe Johny Flynn? Glenn Robinson jr. Rubio come back
It computes. What NOP did with Herb Jones indicates he’s going nowhere. It’s what DEN did with Jokic after his 3rd year. It’s what DAL should have done with Brunson after his 3rd season.
Hayes, on the other hand, is now free. If I were a team looking to take a flyer on a young big, I’d focus on Hayes over Bamba.
I would love to see “Not on Herb” in the Cavs. Not the shooter they need but damn he’sa good defense
What a stupid decision not to excercise herb jones option. Probably for less than 2 mil the guy is a great defensive player and serviceable on offense shoulda been a no brainer.
Starting to think Griffin isn’t all that good as a GM
Nothing to see here people.
Declining a team option for a player like Herb Jones, this is a classic wink-wink deal between management and the player …….. any offers they get from the open-market, they can and will match.
Any? Not so sure sbt that. Further is Herb gonna pass a big deal plus a starting spot? Heck no!
I’m sure they will sign Jones for the long run while he is cheaper than he will be next year negotiating
99% yes , but Carlos Boozer did happen ! We mustn’t forget