**Pelicans** guard **[Dejounte Murray](https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/murrade01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.hoopsrumors.com&utm_campaign=2026-02-20_bbr)** has been sidelined since January 31, 2025 after rupturing his right Achilles tendon, but he’s close to returning to action. The one-time All-Star went through full practices on Wednesday and Thursday, writes [Rod Walker of NOLA.com](https://www.nola.com/sports/pelicans/pelicans-dejounte-murray-expected-to-return-within-next-week/article_1e58af46-c0eb-4a14-abb7-528545711738.html).
“_He’s close_,” interim head coach **James Borrego** said after Thursday’s practice. “_I’d say in the next week, he’s back on the floor playing NBA games, which is amazing_.”
Murray, whom the Pelicans acquired in the 2024 offseason in a trade with Atlanta, had a tough start to his tenure in New Orleans. He fractured his left hand in the team’s 2024/25 season opener, causing him to miss 17 games, then suffered the torn Achilles a few months later.
The 29-year-old made 31 appearances last season, averaging 17.5 points, 7.4 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 32.6 minutes per game. He struggled with offensive efficiency, posting an underwhelming .393/.299/.823 shooting slash line.
Murray has been ruled out for Friday’s game vs. Milwaukee, but Borrego is optimistic about what the former All-Defensive guard will bring to the Pelicans when he makes his season debut.
“_I’m expecting a lot from him_,” Borrego said, per Walker. “_He’s coming off a massive injury, but what I’ve seen has been encouraging. I look forward to watching him_.”