Herbert Jones is the name many are trying to manifest into a Los Angeles Lakers uniform right now. The hurdles to having that union come to pass were always going to be substantial, and it is becoming much harder to ignore why some are pessimistic on the fantasy becoming reality.
Dan Woike did not have a lot of belief in the Lakers' chances of landing the New Orleans Pelicans wing. The Lakers beat writer thought New Orleans 'wouldn't engage' Los Angeles at the price point that Rob Pleinka had to offer.
So, what is the perception of Jones' trade value that makes him that out of reach for the Lakers? Michael Scotto stepped in to try and answer that. The NBA insider talked shop with Alex Golden on a recent episode of Setting The Pace.
Scotto said, "You've got Herb Jones, who a lot of teams love, including the Los Angeles Lakers. ... Herb's been a great 3-and-D guy and he's got a really good contract. So teams around the league think that a guy like that could go for as much as two first-round picks if he's going to be traded."
Lakers' lack of draft capital will cost them in the Herb Jones sweepstakes
First things first, Jones cannot actually be traded until Jan. 14 due to when his extension with the Pelicans was signed. Secondly, that extension provides ample reason for New Orleans to not entertain outside offers, unless absolutely jaw-dropping.
Jones is making $13.9 million in 2025-26 before seeing that number jump to $14.9 in 2026-27. After that, his three-year, $67.6 million extension kicks in. That deal has an average salary of $22.5 for his services, which would be a team-friendly price for the defensive star.
Herb is a touch on the older side for a full-scale rebuild in New Orleans. Jones turned 27 years old in October. Even so, that is still young enough to have around for the next few years without feeling the need to make a trade for the sake of it.
When it comes to his perceived value suggested by Scotto, the Lakers do not have two tradeable first-round picks to package together in an outgoing deal right this second. It would be either 2031 or 2032 that are available right now.
They have swaps to operate with, but as far as giving up a selection outright, their hands are tied. Is there a workaround for that? Perhaps. However, the Lakers' best bet would be to hope on the price to come down. Otherwise, it appears more logical to look elsewhere for an upgrade.