One of the most interesting decisions the New Orleans Pelicans front office will have to make this summer is whether to trade veteran guard Dejounte Murray or not. With Murray nearing his 30s, the desire to compete is very real, and because of that, rumors surfaced that he preferred to be traded rather than remain a Pelican. Before his February return, Murray set the record straight, saying the rumors were fake and that he was committed to New Orleans.
Murray, once again, delivered a similar message during his end-of-season media availability, calling the rumor that he wanted to return to boost his value nonsense using more colorful language. He then followed that up by doubling down on his commitment to the Pelicans.
"I'm committed to getting it out of the mud. Like it's easy to go join a team that won 50 60 games, but it's hard to be on a team that, you know, won 26 games and they're 14th in the West, no playoffs, and you're like, 'Nah, I trust this process.'"Dejounte Murray
These comments from Murray should excite fans, as when he played this season, the Pelicans' offense flowed better than it did through the first 58 games. This season in games Murray played, New Orleans’ offensive rating jumped from 113.3 to 119.6, according to Databallr.
Murray’s loyalty is stability the Pelicans need
With all the comments made by Joe Dumars during the end-of-season media availability suggesting this group plans to compete next season, Murray's loyalty is huge.
In the 14 games Murray appeared in, he averaged 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His ability to command the team offense, get them into their sets and create for his teammates in the open floor was something this team sorely missed. All season, New Orleans struggled to close out games, as with Zion Williamson not being a consistent shot creator, they didn’t have someone to defer to or trust in clutch situations, until Murray returned.
On top of what he does with the basketball, Murray also brings on-court leadership that an inexperienced young team needs to compete.Â
The rise of Jeremiah Fears down the stretch has led many Pelicans fans to believe that handing him the keys to the starting point guard spot going into 2026-27 may be for the best. Over the team's final five games, he averaged 31.8 points per game and showed increased comfort commanding an offense.Â
The counterargument to that idea is, you know what’s better than one elite guard? Two.Â
Having the luxury of one of Fears or Murray on the court at all times could define New Orleans' offense next season. With Murray and Fears sharing the backcourt, it would give the Pelicans’ next head coach flexibility and versatility.
For a small-market team, convincing players to stay put can be tough, especially All-Star-caliber ones like Murray. So for Murray to show an unwavering commitment to New Orleans and be willing to trust the process to find success in the Big Easy is massive for the future of the Pelicans franchise.
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