Dejounte Murray seeks a fresh start as New Orleans Pelicans management prioritizes clearing salary. A trade appears mutually beneficial for both player and franchise.
The New Orleans Pelicans new regime doesn't seem to keen on some of the veteran contracts on the team and, for at least one player, that feeling appears to be mutual.
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported on Wednesday that guard Dejounte Murray and his representatives at Klutch Sports "would like a change in scenery."
There have been multiple reports that the Pelicans would like to make that happen, as they don't want to have to deal with his contract.
Murray is on the books for $30.8 million this season, $32.8 million next year and has a $30.8 million player option for 2027/2028. He is the third-highest paid player on the team and has played just 31 games in the uniform since being acquired.
It was a move made by previous management. Back in the Summer of 2024, New Orleans traded Dyson Daniels, E.J. Liddell, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller and two future firsts to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Murray.
That was a haul sent away in a failed move. The Pelicans would be lucky to get a fraction of that in return.
Before tearing his Achilles, Murray was averaging 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists and two steals per game on 39.3/29.9/82.3 shooting splits. It was already going poorly, but the injury has only made things worse.
The 29-year-old has not played at all this season and it appears like he may never put on a New Orleans uniform again, if the Pelicans can actually facilitate a deal.
It makes sense for both sides that they would want to make things work. New Orleans would actually have somewhat of a crowded backcourt if Murray were to come back from injury. It's already to a point where Jordan Poole is logging 'DNP - Coach's Decisions.' and the team is surviving.
Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver are trying to turn this team around and would like to have the money that is currently tied up with Murray cleared up.
Murray would also probably like to compete. He's not getting younger and has only made three postseasons in his career.
There's no doubt that he could help a team out. He is a solid defender, rebounder and playmaker. It's just about convincing someone to give up something of value while taking on that massive contract.
Murray's name will come up a couple more times in the final week before the trade deadline.