Heading into the February 5th trade deadline, the New Orleans Pelicans' plan appears clear. It's been repeatedly reported that the plan is to retain players like Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Zion Williamson, while shopping Yves Missi, Jose Alvarado, and Jordan Poole. However, there is someone unexpected that has shot up to the top of the Pelicans' trade block: Dejounte Murray.
ClutchPoints NBA insider, Brett Siegel, reported that Murray and his representation would like a change of scenery, especially because of how crowded the Pelicans' backcourt is.
Dejounte Murray is reportedly open to a new home away from New Orleans, per @BrettSiegelNBA pic.twitter.com/0Hq4bRAtLH
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 28, 2026
This isn't the first time Murray's name has popped up in trade rumors this season, as just a month ago, Jake Fischer mentioned him as someone he expected to be available. On top of that, the continued uncertainty and unclear timeline for his return from an Achilles Injury suffered just under a year ago were telltale signs that a split was brewing.
The best way to decide who should be at the top of your trade block as a front office is by evaluating three factors: which players no longer fit the timeline, which players want to be traded, and which contracts could help create financial flexibility. Murray checks all three boxes.
If Murray wants to be traded the Pelicans should trade him
With the Pelicans drafting Jeremiah Fears seventh overall in the 2025 NBA draft and having Jordan Poole locked up for another season, there isn't really room for Murray. While there has been a fair share of ups and downs with Fears, if the front office is serious about him being the franchise point guard, they need to develop him. And the best way to develop him is to let him play, which could get complicated if Murray returns.
Another factor working against Murray’s long-term fit in New Orleans is his age and injury history. Murray generates most of his offense downhill and by attacking the basket. With him coming off a major injury and dealing with injuries in the past, and turning 30 soon, New Orleans has an obvious reason to explore trading him.
Pair that with the $85+ million still owed on his contract, and he is one injury or a step back production-wise from becoming a negative asset.
With Dejounte Murray reportedly wanting to go to a new situation and the Pelicans lacking the space or minutes for him, a trade appears to be the best choice for both sides. For New Orleans, they get the chance to gain long-term financial flexibility by moving off his contract while likely getting some future draft capital in return. And for Murray, he'd get the opportunity to be a starting guard again and likely be part of a playoff contender. Sounds like a win-win to me.