The New Orleans Pelicans are not planning on trading Trey Murphy, but could still be persuaded.
Despite weeks and weeks of persistent rumors, the New Orleans Pelicans once again have no plans to trade Trey Murphy.
While the team's stance has actually remained firm throughout, there has been confusion about his availability. A recent report from NBA insider Jake Fischer (The Stein Line, Bleacher Report) should provide at least some clarity, as he has stated that the Pelicans would prefer to keep Murphy this offseason.
This has been the thinking around the organization for a while. With how many suitors Murphy had, teams had blown smoke around his trade market. Perhaps New Orleans really did ask for four first-round picks, because only an offer that made them jump out of their seats would get a deal done. They could have traded him for a solid return months ago if they wanted to.
There is fair frustration around this team due to inaction this offseason, but trading Murphy just for the sake of saying something is different is bad business. The 26-year-old was their best player last season, and could very well be the best once again on this upcoming roster.
Murphy was highly sought-after by the best teams around the league for a reason. He's a 6-foot-8 wing who put up 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game last year on 47.0/37.9/88.6 shooting splits. That three-point percentage came on 8.6 attempts per game last year.
Add in the fact that he's entering the second season of a very team-friendly deal, and there really is no reason for the Pelicans to move him without being blown away by someone's offer.
As things stand, Murphy is a great midpoint between the veteran timeline and rookie timeline that New Orleans is trying to balance. No matter which one they eventually commit to, the wing will fit like a glove.
