The New Orleans Pelicans just wrapped up a brutal 26-56 season, and the front office is sending signals that almost nothing is off the table. For the first time since Joe Dumars took over as Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, the team is reportedly listening to trade offers for Trey Murphy III — a player who was previously considered untouchable.
According to insider Marc Stein, the Pelicans are taking calls on the 25-year-old forward, though they’ve set what league sources describe as a “very high trade threshold.” That means any deal would have to bring back a massive return. The team has not confirmed these talks, but the shift in stance is notable after months of insisting Murphy wasn’t going anywhere.
Why the Change Now?
The timing lines up with a looming draft dilemma. New Orleans doesn’t own its 2026 first-round pick — that selection (No. 8 overall) belongs to the Atlanta Hawks after last year’s draft-day trade. The Pelicans sent their 2026 first-rounder and the 23rd pick in 2025 to Atlanta to move up and select Derik Queen at No. 13. That deal left them without a premium asset in a draft class that scouts are calling unusually deep.
By dangling Murphy, Dumars and the Pelicans could potentially recoup the draft capital they lost while also addressing roster holes. It’s a pragmatic move, but one that carries real risk — Murphy has become the team’s most reliable two-way weapon.
Murphy’s Breakout Season
The five-year veteran delivered the best basketball of his career in 2025-26. Murphy averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game — all career-highs — while shooting 47.0% from the field and 37.9% from three-point range. He emerged as a legitimate star in New Orleans, capable of guarding multiple positions and creating his own shot off the dribble.
For context, Murphy’s scoring leap put him in the same tier as several All-Star wings around the league. His efficiency and two-way impact make him exactly the kind of player contending teams covet. That value is precisely why the Pelicans would demand a king’s ransom in return.
What This Means for the Pelicans’ Future
Moving Murphy would signal a more aggressive rebuild — or perhaps a retooling around a different core piece. Zion Williamson’s health remains a question mark, Brandon Ingram’s future is uncertain, and the roster lacks depth despite Murphy’s emergence. Trading him for young talent and draft picks could accelerate a reset, but it could also alienate a fanbase that has watched Murphy grow into a homegrown star.
For now, the Pelicans are doing exactly what any rebuilding front office should: gathering information. But the fact that the conversation has shifted from “not trading Trey Murphy III” to “taking calls” tells you everything about how badly this franchise needs to change course.
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