The Dallas Mavericks are exploring options to strengthen their defense before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. While the trade talk is getting serious, the New Orleans Pelicans’ Herb Jones has got the Mavs’ attention.
Recently, a tweet has gone viral and is making rounds on the internet. Some of the curious Dallas fans noticed that Jones has followed Mavericks’ PJ Washington, Kyrie Irving and Naji Marshall. Interestingly, this came at a time when the team has been continuously linked with making moves to get their hand on the young star.
In contrast, the deal looks good to have for the Mavs. They are looking for an aid to their defense with a bit of versatility, and Herb Jones has both of them. Also, Jones was the only non-center to make the NBA All-Defensive First Team last season. However, the Pelicans are reportedly reluctant to part ways with Jones, seeing him as a cornerstone for their future amidst a challenging season.
Herb Jones just followed Kyrie and PJ 👀#MFFL (@ZukoHoops noticed) pic.twitter.com/72zr6lFeR9
— MFFL (@Mavs_FFL) January 19, 2025
Despite the Mavericks’ interest, trading for Jones appears unlikely. The Pelicans are plagued by injuries to stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. They have continually struggled to stay competitive and are expected to offload some players. However, Jones remains a bright spot for the team. He is averaging 10.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game this season.
Also Read:Kyrie Irving Calls Dallas Mavericks Trade A Victory, Says He Was ‘Bad Goods’ In Brooklyn Exit
Herb Jones Is Indefinitely Out With Shoulder Injury
While his three-point shooting has dipped, his defensive impact and growth on offense make him invaluable to a potential rebuild. For Dallas, this means they may need to pivot to alternative targets to address their defensive needs.
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While his trade talks sound interesting, Jones is going through a tough phase. The Pelicans’ small forward is out indefinitely with a posterior labrum tear in his right shoulder. This marks the second significant injury to the same shoulder this season, sidelining the team’s defensive anchor for an uncertain period.
The Pelicans announced that Herb Jones has suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder and will be out indefinitely. pic.twitter.com/rctI28f9u7
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 10, 2025
Jones’ absence leaves a significant void on both ends of the court, particularly in perimeter defense, where he has been among the league’s elite. His averages of 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game underscore his versatility and importance to the Pelicans’ lineup, making his loss a tough blow for a team already plagued by injuries.
With Jones sidelined, Zion Williamson’s return to the court becomes even more critical. Williamson has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy, averaging 22.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists across seven games this season.
His ability to dominate in the paint and energize the team with his explosive plays will be essential in offsetting Jones’ absence. However, Williamson’s durability remains a concern, and staying consistently available is key for the Pelicans to remain competitive. Brandon Ingram and Dejounte Murray also need to rise to the occasion in Jones’ absence. And these top three need to make the most out of their abilities on the occasion.
