New Orleans Pelicans elect not to sign Terrence Jones to 10-day contract

Earlier today, Shams Charania reported that the New Orleans Pelicans were planning to sign former Kentucky Wildcat Terrence Jones to a 10-day contract. However, it seems circumstances have changed and the Pelicans have elected not to follow through with the deal.

This would have been the second time that Jones has played with the Pelicans and his first NBA appearance of the 2017-2018 season. He began the 2016-2017 season in New Orleans, averaging 11.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in 51 appearances before being waived.

Jones began this season in China and currently plays with the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA G-League. His NBA career has really taken a negative turn since he left the Houston Rockets in 2016. After missing out on signing Greg Monroe, it appeared that Jones was New Orleans’ plan for strengthening the front court in DeMarcus Cousins’ absence.

Jones would have joined former Kentucky Wildcats Anthony Davis, Cousins, Rajon Rondo, and Darius Miller on the Pelicans roster. It could have been the second combination this season of a “5 Wildcat” look in New Orleans, as Terrence Jones would have essentially been filling the roster spot vacated by DeAndre Liggins.

Liggins just wrapped up his second 10-day contract with the Pelicans. NBA rules dictate that no player can have more than two 10-day contracts with the same team in any given season. He now becomes a free agent.

New Orleans currently sits as the 7 seed in the Western Conference, and while losing Cousins is a huge blow they are still looking to get to the playoffs and potentially make some noise when they get there. Unfortunately for Terrence Jones, it appears as though they are leaving their options open for other trade possibilities or free agent signings.

Perhaps Jones will find an NBA home before the season is over, but circumstances change quickly and it seems that will not be happening today.