The Golden State Warriors are poised to make waves in the NBA offseason, with their sights set on bolstering their roster around superstar guard Stephen Curry. After a bold but unsuccessful attempt to reunite with Kevin Durant at the trade deadline, the Warriors pivoted to acquire Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler without sacrificing significant assets. Now, as free agency looms on June 30, 2025, and trade rumors swirl, the Warriors are reportedly targeting a key addition to elevate their defensive prowess: New Orleans Pelicans’ All-Defensive wing Herb Jones.
According to a recent report by ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Warriors have been linked to Jones and free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker in recent discussions. Siegel noted on his X account, “Have heard Herb Jones and Nickeil Alexander-Walker talk for Golden State within last couple of days. Warriors certainly looking for upgrades in free agency this week and potentially on trade market, if the price is right.” While Alexander-Walker is a coveted free agent who could emulate a Derrick White-like role for a contender, it’s Jones who stands out as a potential game-changer for Golden State’s defense.
Herb Jones, a 2024 First Team All-Defensive selection, is coming off a season where he played just 20 games for the Pelicans, averaging 10.3 points and an impressive 1.9 steals per game. Despite a regression in his three-point shooting, Jones remains a defensive force, earning the moniker “defensive assassin” for his ability to lock down opponents. At 27 years old and entering the third year of a four-year, $53.8 million contract, Jones represents a bargain in today’s NBA market, where top-tier defenders with his versatility are rare.
Pairing Jones with Draymond Green, a former Defensive Player of the Year and the heart of Golden State’s defensive schemes, could create one of the NBA’s most formidable defensive duos. Green’s elite playmaking and defensive IQ, combined with Jones’ relentless on-ball defense and ability to guard multiple positions, would give the Warriors unmatched versatility on that end of the floor. Opposing offenses would face a nightmare scenario, with Jones hounding perimeter threats and Green anchoring the paint and orchestrating switches.
Offensively, Jones could thrive in Golden State’s system. While his three-point shooting dipped last season, playing alongside sharpshooters like Curry and Buddy Hield could open up the floor, allowing Jones to focus on cutting, finishing, and playmaking in transition. The Warriors’ coaching staff, led by Steve Kerr, has a track record of unlocking the offensive potential of defensively-minded players, as seen with Green and Andre Iguodala in their championship runs.
The Pelicans’ crowded roster, filled with playable talent, could make Jones expendable, especially as they navigate their own offseason priorities. For Golden State, acquiring Jones without parting with significant assets would align with their strategy of maintaining flexibility while building a contender around Curry. With Butler already in the fold, adding Jones could solidify the Warriors as a top-tier defensive unit while preserving their offensive firepower.
As the Warriors navigate free agency and the trade market, landing Herb Jones could be the move that elevates them back to championship contention. A $53.8 million contract for a player of his caliber is a steal, and pairing him with Draymond Green would give Golden State a defensive duo capable of shutting down the league’s best offenses. The countdown to June 30 is on, and all eyes will be on the Warriors as they aim to build a roster worthy of another title run.