With the NBA trade deadline approaching fast and the New Orleans Pelicans holding a league-worst 10-35 record, every fan has their opinions on who should stay and who should go. That being said, one person that the entire fan base can agree should stick around past February 5th is Trey Murphy III.
This season, Murphy III has solidified himself as the team's best player with his incredible scoring numbers and ability to put the team on his back in clutch situations. Murphy III is averaging 22.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, and over his last five games, he's been posting 25.8 points per game. What makes his scoring production even more impressive is the efficiency with which he scores, as Murphy III is on the cusp of a legendary NBA club.
This season, he is shooting 49.7 percent from the field, 38.7 percent from three, and 89.7 percent from the free-throw line. That means Murphy III only has to shoot the 0.3 percent better from the field, 1.3 percent better from three, and 0.3 percent better from the foul line to be part of the NBA's 50/40/90 club.
Elite company awaits Trey Murphy III
The 50/40/90 club includes players who finish a season with shooting percentages of 50 percent or higher from the field, 40 percent or higher from three-point land, and 90 percent or higher from the free-throw line. While that may not sound too hard, it is, as this club includes just seven players all-time. Steve Nash is the all-time leader with four seasons with the club, with Larry Bird and Kevin Durant tied for second with two, and Steph Curry, Mark Price, Kyrie Irving, Reggie Miller, and Malcolm Brogdon each have one.
All Murphy III needs to become the eighth member of this club is see a small uptick in efficiency for the rest of the season, which he could easily do.
If he reaches this historic benchmark, it would be his first major accolade in the NBA and would be a clear signal to the Pelicans' front office that they have found one of their franchise cornerstones. At just 25 years old, Murphy III hasn't even entered the prime of his career, yet he has still shown he can score at all three levels efficiently, defend multiple positions, and carry the offense when things break down.
With the trade deadline knocking at the door, the Pelicans' front office will undoubtedly explore different avenues. But, whatever direction the Pelicans front office decides to take over the next several weeks, whether that be adding a star, hitting the reset button, or slightly retooling, Trey Murphy III's spot is safe. In a season with minimal positives, he has been a clear sign of hope for the front office and the fan base.