The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly exploring trade avenues involving one of their highest-paid players. They are attempting to create a trade market for guard Dejounte Murray as the team continues to struggle during the 2025–26 season.
New Orleans Pelicans Could Part Ways with Dejounte Murray
NBA insider Brett Siegel detailed the situation in a report for ClutchPoints on Jan. 28, outlining how New Orleans is approaching trade talks ahead of the deadline.
“While the Pelicans have been receptive to trade calls, they have remained firm on their high asking prices for both Murphy and Herb Jones – multiple first-round picks and young talents with potential,” Siegel wrote. “Instead of attempting to trade either wing, the Pelicans have been focused on attempting to create a market for Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray.”
Siegel added that Murray and his representation are believed to be open to a move.
“It is believed that Klutch Sports and Murray would like a change in scenery, especially with the veteran guard finding himself in a crowded backcourt upon returning from his Achilles injury,” Siegel wrote. “As far as what the Pelicans are looking for in general, league sources have indicated that New Orleans is trying to obtain a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, something they may not be able to do until the offseason.”
Murray has yet to make his season debut for the Pelicans after rupturing his Achilles tendon in Jan. 2025. He has not appeared in any games during the 2025–26 season, and his return date remains unclear.
On Jan. 4, interim head coach James Borrego said the 29-year-old was making progress but noted the team still needed more time to evaluate his status. Borrego added that the Pelicans were hoping to get Murray back in the building “soon” but needed more clarity on where he was physically.
Murray signed a four-year, $114,238,204 contract, which includes $111,102,208 guaranteed. His deal carries an average annual salary of $28,559,551 and includes a $30.7 million player option for the 2027–28 season.
Trading Murray Could Be a Challenge for Pelicans
Because of the size of his contract and the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, moving Murray could be difficult. He has played zero games this season, leaving teams without recent on-court production to evaluate.
In 31 career games with the Pelicans, Murray has averaged 17.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per game. He also averaged 3.4 turnovers per game while shooting 39.3% from the field and 29.9% from three-point range.
New Orleans’ backcourt, meanwhile, has become increasingly crowded. Guards currently on the roster include Jose Alvarado, Jordan Poole, rookie Jeremiah Fears, Trey Alexander, Jordan Hawkins, Saddiq Bey, and Bryce McGowens. That logjam has contributed to trade discussions involving Murray as the team looks to create roster clarity.
The Pelicans are struggling this season and sit dead last in the Western Conference with a 12–37 record. With the team falling further out of contention, front office decisions have become more urgent as the trade deadline approaches.
For now, Murray’s return timeline remains uncertain. Whether New Orleans can successfully create a trade market for him before the deadline or must wait until the offseason remains unresolved.
