Defensive champion Jones becomes a hot commodity, Mavericks lead the battle

On June 1, big news came from the NBA! According to well-known journalist Kendrick O'Connor, the New Orleans Pelicans are about to change this offseason. Sources revealed that no one on the Pelicans can't be traded now, and the team is carefully evaluating the trading value of each player on the roster.

Among them, the name of defensive expert Herbert Jones is particularly eye-catching. Sources believe that Jones, known for his defensive ability, will definitely attract the interest of many teams. The latest odds of the bookmaker also confirm this. The Dallas Mavericks are the most optimistic team to win Jones, with the Los Angeles Lakers following closely behind, and the Houston Rockets also squeezed into the top four.

The Pelicans have just experienced a bad season. Not only have they had a poor record, they only won 21 games, but the team is also suffering from injuries. The team's senior management also underwent a major change. Now the Pistons' legendary Joe Dumas is in charge of basketball operations. Jones himself has also been plagued by injuries this season. He only played 20 games in the regular season, averaging 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and a brilliant 1.9 steals. However, his shooting feel is not very smooth this season, with a shooting percentage of 43.6%, and his three-point shooting percentage dropping to 30.6%.

But Jones' value is mainly on the defensive end. You know, just last season (2023-24 season), he was also selected into the league's best defensive team, and his defensive ability is recognized as a hard power. Although he played less this year, his attendance rate in the first three seasons of his career was actually quite good, playing 78 games, 66 games and 76 games respectively. This type of "3D" wing player that can defend against multiple positions has always been very popular in the market.

Look at who wants him the most?

Mavericks (+350 lead): The Mavericks' goal in the new season is definitely to continue to improve their strength. In addition to trying to strengthen the depth of the wing (Jones is just right), they also have an urgent task - to find a reliable starting point guard. Because their star guard Kyrie Irving is injured, he is expected to return until January next year, and someone needs to take the lead during the season.

Lakers (+500 Second): If the Lakers want to go further in the fiercely competitive West, especially to make a difference in the playoffs, every position needs to be strengthened. A player like Jones who can defend against the opponent's arrow characters is definitely a good puzzle for the Lakers who are determined to compete for the championship.

Spurs (+550 third), Rockets (+700 fourth), Nuggets (+900 fifth): These teams are also on the list, indicating that Jones' defensive value is widely recognized. The Spurs need a defensive cornerstone in reconstruction, most of the Rockets' young players need veterans and experience, while the defending champion Nuggets are always looking for opportunities to improve their defensive depth.

Which team's jersey will Jones wear in the end? As the offseason trading market door is about to open, this battle surrounding this defensive hero will definitely become more and more lively. Which team do you think of Jones joining?