New Orleans Pelicans point guard Dejounte Murray is looking for a change of scenery.
The Pelicans confirmed Friday that Murray had requested a trade, adding that the organization “will evaluate potential trade opportunities that are in the best interest of our organization.”
ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported that Murray had requested a trade from the Pelicans and that his agent, Rich Paul, was working with team officials on a resolution.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the Phoenix Suns “have expressed interest” in Murray. Other potential landing spots include the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks explained the salary cap implications of trading Murray to the Pelicans:
If the Suns’ pursuit of Murray comes to fruition, they could have a young player the Pelicans would be interested in. The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported earlier Friday that opposing clubs felt the Suns were “motivated” to trade shooting guard Jalen Green for a proven point guard. Amick later added that Murray’s trade request could reignite trade talks between Phoenix and New Orleans.
NBA insider Marc Stein noted that the Pelicans ruled Murray out for Friday night’s NBA Cup game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Murray’s exit from New Orleans has been on the wall for some time now. He recently defended himself against fans who blamed him for the team’s difficulties in deleted social media posts:
During an appearance on The pivot Last year, Murray explained that he “never” thought he would play in New Orleans, and he called his recovery from his torn Achilles in 2025 “the worst experience in the NBA.”
Murray started the season averaging 17.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists in four October games, but his numbers have since fallen off a cliff. In his last five games, he missed the 10-point mark three times, averaging 10.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
Still, Murray can be an effective field general in the right situation. In addition to the Suns, the Heat and Bucks are looking for answers in their respective backcourts.
Miami would benefit from having another set-up man for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, relieving Davion Mitchell of ball-handling duties and relegating veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson from the starting lineup to the sixth man role. Milwaukee recently benched Ryan Rollins to start rookie Brayden Burries alongside Tyler Herro, but the youngster has struggled to find his place.
The Pelicans are already set to hand the reins to second-year point guard Jeremiah Fears, so there should be mutual interest in moving Murray sooner rather than later.
Gn sports
