NBA Insider Jake Fischer spoke on a stream on Tuesday and noted that he is "definitely expecting Dejounte Murray to be available for trade if and when he comes back." It certainly sounds like Murray is the most likely player on this roster to be moved ahead of the trade deadline, and this is probably a shock to New Orleans Pelicans fans who expected Trey Murphy or Herb Jones to potentially be on the move instead.
What we're seeing is that the Pelicans haven't necessarily been super intrigued by the trade offers they've been getting for Jones and Murphy. If they're going to do anything before the Feb. 5 deadline, Murray appears the most likely candidate to be packaged in a deal.
Between last season and this season, Murray's only played 31 total games in a Pelicans uniform. It's been a disappointing stretch to say the least, especially given what New Orleans gave up to acquire him. Now, it's hard to see his trade value being nearly as high as it was a year and a half ago.
Compounding Murray’s uncertain future is just how much this Pelicans roster has changed since that summer 2024 trade. Moving on from former core pieces has forced the Pelicans into a transitional phase where youth and potential are carrying far more weight than established production.
Dejounte Murray could be moved ahead of the deadline
Particularly in a season where Zion Williamson has once again battled injuries and been limited in availability, New Orleans has leaned heavily on its young talent. Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen are the only two players on this roster that have played in every single contest as of this writing. They've already emerged not just as role players but as central figures in the rotation.
Fears has excelled as a primary creator, showing flashes of scoring efficiency and willingness to attack closeouts that you don't see often from guys so early in their career. Queen’s development has been even more eye-opening. After being heavily criticized for factors beyond his control, the 13th overall pick has posted historic numbers for a rookie, including a triple-double.
That duo embodies the Pelicans’ current identity: competitive when they play freely and more erratic when the game slows, but always intriguing. They've got a ways to go and the losses have piled up, but Fears and Queen are bringing an energy that keeps fans invested even in an otherwise frustrating season.
So when you talk about the likelihood of New Orleans moving Murray before the Feb. 5 deadline, remember this isn’t just about unloading a guy coming off an injury. It’s about embracing the direction the franchise has already been heading in. With veterans in flux and the team sitting near the bottom of the standings, packaging Murray for future assets or complementary pieces could accelerate the rebuild that the presence of Fears and Queen has already unofficially begun.