Chris Lambert of Pelican Debrief believes that New Orleans should part ways with Herbert Jones this offseason, and the Detroit Pistons could end up being one of the teams in the mix for the 27-year-old wing. The former All-Defensive First Team member would give a boost to an already top defense, but there are questions about what he'd provide on the offensive end, which could be what prompts a trade.
"The team still values his defense and could buy into the potential he has to rediscover his jumpshot. But, for a Pelicans team that needs to surround their young core with shooters, holding on to Jones isn't smart."
Jones averaged 8.9 points per game this season on a career-low 38.3% shooting from the field and 30.9% from three in 56 contests. But here's the thing — he averaged a career-high 11 points per game in the 2023-24 season, shooting 49.8% from the field and 41.8% from deep on 3.6 attempts in 76 contests. He can shoot the ball, but his efficiency has dropped in the past two seasons.
A trade could give him the fresh start he needs (being with a competent organization would be a plus), so if the Pelicans do make him available, he's a player the Pistons could target. Yes, even with his shooting woes.
Pistons could go after Jones if Pelicans make him available
Lambert notably didn't include Trey Murphy III on the list of players he doesn't think the Pelicans should keep around. New Orleans has shown no signs that it wants to move on from the wing, even though the Pelicans aren't close to reaching contender status. It'd make sense for them to cash in on his high value, but look at who we're talking about.
All of that is to say that if Murphy became available, he'd 110% be someone Detroit should go after, but if New Orleans' stubbornness continues, Jones could be the only wing the team wants to listen to offers for. Even that may not happen.
Jones would cost less than Murphy, both in terms of his asking price and his contract. He's signed through the 2029-30 season, with a $24.2 million player option. He'll make $14.9 million next season before the four-year deal he signed with the Pelicans last offseason kicks in, as his salary will bump up to $20.9 million in 2027-28.
His contract wouldn't become an issue, not unless his shooting from the past couple of years carries over to Detroit. The Pistons desperately need outside shooting, as they averaged only 11 made threes per game during the regular season (on 30.9 attempts), the third lowest in the league.
Two of their top offseason priorities should be getting more outside shooting and another iso creator (or two). Jones could help with the first half of that, and looking at his numbers from two seasons ago could be enough for the front office to bring him to Detroit. On the flip side, it could be what keeps the Pistons away.
Still, don't be surprised if Jones is linked to Detroit this offseason for his defensive impact, and with the hope that he will regain his shooting form.
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