On Friday in New Orleans, the Pelicans announced they will try to trade Dejounte Murray after his representatives requested a move, according to the team’s official statement.
“Today, Dejounte Murray’s representatives informed us of his request to be traded,” the Pelicans said in a statement. “We will evaluate potential trade opportunities that are in the best interest of our organization.”
The 30-year-old guard missed Friday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies due to a left ankle sprain, and head coach Jamahl Mosley told reporters that Murray was not at the Smoothie King Center. Shams Charania first revealed the trade request, and Hoops Rumors reported that Murray has drawn interest from the Phoenix Suns.
Just in on NBA Today — Pelicans' Dejounte Murray requests trade and the sides work for a resolution: pic.twitter.com/zzizjnjoLG
Murray’s tenure in New Orleans followed a June 2024 trade with the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., E.J. Liddell, and two first-round picks. Executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin had acquired him to anchor the defense and share ball-handling duties with Zion Williamson.
Murray fractured his hand in his 2024 season debut and tore his Achilles in January 2025.
🚨Dejounte Murray has requested a trade from the Pelicans, per @ShamsCharania Rich Paul and the Pelicans have begun working on a resolution for the 1x All-Star pic.twitter.com/NoIEnV0GbU
Injuries and on-Court Struggles
Over three seasons in New Orleans, Murray has appeared in just 54 games. He has averaged 16.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.9 rebounds over that span.
This season, he has averaged 13.4 points while shooting 41.9% from the floor through nine games. The Pelicans hold a 1-8 record with him in the lineup.
Daily Mail reported that Murray wrote on social media about a case of sabotage.
“From what’s going on INSIDE, this sounds like someone hit you to say this!! THE ‘SABOTAGE’ IS REAL!!” Murray wrote on social media, as cited by Daily Mail.
Statement from the New Orleans Pelicans: Today, Dejounte Murray’s representatives informed us of his request to be traded. We will evaluate potential trade opportunities that are in the best interest of our organization.
When you run post plays, are they suppose to catch on the block or the 3pt line? Let’s hear it Mr social media coach, Gm and President?”
Rich Paul works with the franchise to find a new home
Murray is earning $32.8 million this season and holds a $30.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season, along with incentives, according to Hoops Rumors. His agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, is working with the franchise to find a new home.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray wants a trade from the franchise, and his agent Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and team officials have started working on a resolution for the one-time All-Star, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/OoozAwcqvN
The Phoenix Suns have emerged as an interested suitor, though insider John Gambadoro reported that the two teams have not yet engaged in formal talks. Suns owner Mat Ishbia maintains a personal friendship with Paul.
Pelicans coach Jamahl Mosley addressed the turmoil during a four-game losing streak by shifting focus back to the team’s floor standards.
“How well we play is very important to me, and making sure that keep up that standard,” Mosley said. “That’s why it’s so glaring when we don’t, because I know what this team has shown during training camp, what it has shown during the preseason.”
Why Dejounte Murray missed the game and his contract details
Why was Dejounte Murray ruled out on Friday?
Murray missed Friday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies because of a left ankle sprain, and head coach Jamahl Mosley confirmed he was not present at the arena.
What did the Pelicans give up to acquire Murray?
According to NBA.com, New Orleans sent Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., E.J. Liddell, and two first-round draft picks to the Atlanta Hawks in June 2024.
What are the financial terms of Murray’s contract?
Hoops Rumors reports that Murray is making $32.8 million this season and holds a $30.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
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