The New Orleans Pelicans are facing a new crisis amid an underwhelming season. In his third season with the team, veteran guard Dejounte Murray has officially requested a trade, vowing never to play another game for the Pels.
On Friday, ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news on NBA Today as he explained what comes next for the organization. As it stands, Shams reports that both sides are working to find a “resolution” that benefits everyone involved.
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“Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray has requested a trade out of the organization,” reported ESPN’s Shams Charania. “Now, his agent, Rich Paul, and the franchise are working to find a resolution for this. In the last several days, I’m told that Murray has met with the organization and made it clear to them that he wants to go somewhere else and play a meaningful, key role on another team.”
Murray, 30, was traded to the Pelicans in 2024 after stints with the Spurs and Hawks. He was supposed to be their long-term leading guard, but he played only two full seasons before deciding to decouple himself from the organization entirely. Now, as the Pelicans pursue a trade for Murray, they will look to young rookie Jeremiah Fears to carry their backcourt.
“We’ve seen Murray, especially on social media, express his frustration with how things are going, and clearly it is not working out. He is not going to be playing basketball in New Orleans for the time moving forward here. In his absence, the Pelicans will be turning over that lead guard position to Jeremiah Fears, who has shined in that lineup so far. Both sides will be working now on a trade for Dejounte Murray out of New Orleans.”
With averages of 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game on 43.1% shooting, Murray has been struggling this season, and now we know why. Despite playing alongside talented teammates like star power forward Zion Williamson, center Derik Queen, and sharpshooter Jordan Poole (who has also requested a trade), he’s been checked out on this team for a while, culminating in his decision to finally ask for a way out.
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Over the next few weeks and months, Murray will be out of action as he waits for a trade. In the meantime, GM Troy Weaver will be negotiating to get the best return possible. For someone with Murray’s history (career stats of 15.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game on 43.1% shooting), we can expect an impressive return, but it’s unclear which teams are ready to act.
One potential destination for Murray is the Phoenix Suns, who desperately need a boost after a 5-6 start. Another potential landing spot is the Miami Heat, which could greatly benefit from adding a perimeter scorer and playmaker.
Whatever happens next, it seems Dejounte Murray has played his final game for the Pelicans, and it only illustrates how desperate their situation has become. After years of losing, and with no relief in sight, they must now brace for weeks of trade negotiations, which could serve to distract an already struggling ball club. Nevertheless, with a $30.7 million player option next season, New Orleans must grant his request, or face losing him in free agency for nothing in return.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
