The Dallas Mavericks are actively seeking ways to bolster their defense ahead of the trade deadline on February 6. As discussions intensify, the Mavericks have turned their attention to Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans.
A recent tweet has drawn considerable attention online, as many eager Mavericks fans observed that Jones began following team players PJ Washington, Kyrie Irving, and Naji Marshall. Notably, this comes at a time when speculation surrounds the Mavericks’ potential pursuit of the talented young player.
This potential acquisition seems advantageous for the Mavs, who are in search of defensive bolstering with versatile options, a niche where Jones excels. Remarkably, he was the only non-center to be named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team last season. Nevertheless, reports indicate that the Pelicans are hesitant to trade Jones, regarding him as a foundational piece for their franchise 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’ keen interest, securing a trade for Jones appears unlikely. The Pelicans are currently dealing with injuries affecting star players Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. While they face challenges in remaining competitive, Jones has stood out as a beacon of hope. This season, he is averaging 10.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
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Herb Jones Is Indefinitely Out With Shoulder Injury
Although Jones’ three-point shooting has seen a decline, his defensive prowess and offensive development continue to make him an essential asset for a potential rebuilding phase. Consequently, the Mavericks may need to consider alternative options to fulfill their defensive requirements.
While trade discussions are intriguing, Jones is currently facing significant challenges. The Pelicans have announced that he will be sidelined indefinitely due to a posterior labrum tear in his right shoulder. This marks the second major injury to the same shoulder this season, leaving the team’s defensive anchor out for an undetermined duration.
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
His absence creates a notable gap on both sides of the court, especially in perimeter defense, where he ranks among the league’s best. This season, Jones has averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, highlighting his versatility and significance to the Pelicans’ roster, making his loss particularly detrimental in this challenging period for the team.
With Jones out, the urgency for Zion Williamson’s return increases significantly. When healthy, Williamson has displayed remarkable talent, posting averages of 22.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists over seven games this season.
His capability to dominate the paint and energize the squad with his dynamic plays will be crucial in mitigating the impact of Jones’ absence. Nonetheless, concerns about Williamson’s durability persist, and securing consistent availability is imperative for the Pelicans to maintain competitiveness. Brandon Ingram and Dejounte Murray must also step up during Jones’ absence and capitalize on their abilities when it matters most.
Image Source: Next Level Hoops @ YouTube
