It's been challenging to gauge the direction Joe Dumars is taking the Pelicans in, but after signing Herb Jones to a three-year extension, the direction is now clear. It appears Dumars wants to keep both Trey Murphy and Jones around long-term as building blocks for the future, while also putting Zion Williamson in a prove-it year.
With Jones signing a 3-year, $68 million extension Thursday night, he is now under contract for the next five seasons with the Pelicans for a total of $96.8 million. Jones does have a player option for the 2029-30 season, which aligns him with when Trey Murphy's four-year contract expires.