# Pelicans Avoid Herb Jones Trap

> Pelicans must choose trade direction before moving Herb Jones.
- Title: Pelicans Avoid Herb Jones Trap · New Orleans Pelicans On SI
- Summary: Pelicans must choose trade direction before moving Herb Jones. Pelicans should trade Herb Jones for a meaningful roster improvement or clear investment in…
- Keywords: pelicans, herb jones, oklahoma city thunder, jeremiah fears, derik queen, isiah hartenstein, yves missi, zion williamson, jalen williams, cason wallace, james mosley, nba
- Source: New Orleans Pelicans On SI — https://si.com/nba/pelicans/onsi/pelicans-have-major-trap-avoid-herb-jones-trade-buzz-picks-up-01m5xez85bf6
- Published: 2026-10-27T15:00:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pelicans, herb jones, oklahoma city thunder, jeremiah fears, derik queen, isiah hartenstein, yves missi, zion williamson, jalen williams, cason wallace, james mosley, nba
## Oklahoma City needs help
Oklahoma City has an immediate need for players after Jalen Williams' injury.
## Herb Jones trade buzz
Pelicans-Thunder Herb Jones trade idea is picking up steam among pundits.
## Thunder's injuries
Williams requires surgery for a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle.
## Jones' role in Pelicans
Jones averages a career-low 17.1 minutes with Pelicans.
## Pelicans' fourth quarter problem
Pelicans surrendered 108 fourth quarter points in three losses.
## Foul trouble issue
Foul trouble has contributed to Jones' limited role with Pelicans.
## Jamahl Mosley problem
Team hired Jamahl Mosley to establish defensive identity but he spends most games on bench.
## Trade needs to fix fit
Pelicans need more dependable shooting and frontcourt support through trade.
## Isiah Hartenstein option
Isiah Hartenstein would represent a trade that signals attempt to compete with current core.
## Frontcourt hierarchy
Hartenstein would help establish clearer frontcourt hierarchy with Fears, Queen and Zion Williamson.
## Caruso trade option
Caruso could help Pelicans defend guards but would trade Jones' wing size for older backcourt option.
## Draft compensation
Draft compensation could improve value but wouldn't resolve basketball problems without backcourt reorganization.
## Rebuild strategy
Pelicans should focus on making skills easier to use together rather than trading one veteran.
## Prospect return
Return built around prospects and future first-round picks would suggest different direction for rebuild.
## Nikola Topic option
Acquiring another young ballhandler like Nikola Topic would need to address minutes for Fears, Murray and Poole.
## What happens next
Pelicans should choose direction before choosing return to support rebuild or current roster.
## Key takeaway

Pelicans should trade Herb Jones for a meaningful roster improvement or clear investment in Fears and Queen.