Pelicans Close To 1 Year Deal With Combo Forward Jones

The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly close to inking a 1-year deal with a combo forward Terrence Jones, friend and former teammate of star Anthony Davis.

Shams Charania of The Vertical reports Jones is and the Pels are close to getting a deal done.

At 6'9, Jones can play either forward role depending on what lineup New Orleans head coach Alvin Gentry wants to trot out. A former teammate of Anthony Davis at Kentucky, Jones appeared to be on his way to a large contract two seasons ago, starting 77 games for a Houston Rockets team their way to the Western Conference finals and the second to best record in the West.

However, Jones hit a bevy of injuries last season, some on the court, others off (auto accident). As a result, he fell out of the Rockets regular rotation last season, watching his opportunity for a large payday dwindle. If he regains his form of two years ago when he showed great promise, the addition of Jones could be a great asset for the Pelicans.

ESPN's Marc Stein reports Jones has better financial offers than the one being offered by New Orleans. So why would the 24 year old sign with the Pelicans? An opportunity at playing time and with it, a chance to increase his stock.

UPDATE: Jones has now signed a 1 year agreement to join the Pelicans.