Murray has emerged as a highly sought-after player, attracting interest from prominent teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Utah Jazz, and formerly the Miami Heat. The New Orleans Pelicans are a potential landing spot for him, especially given their ongoing search for a point guard following Lonzo Ball’s departure before the 2021-22 season. While Murray may not offer the same defensive prowess or playmaking ability as Ball, his combination of length, athleticism, and potential as a two-way player makes him an appealing prospect for the Pelicans.
Over the last three seasons, Murray has consistently averaged at least 20 points per game, which would alleviate pressure on CJ McCollum in the Pelicans’ backcourt.
However, any potential trade involving Murray and the Pelicans would likely require the inclusion of either Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III. Both players offer versatility on the wing, presenting New Orleans with a challenging decision. On one hand, Jones is known for his perimeter defense and improving outside shooting. On the other hand, Murphy, also known as “TM3,” excels as a sharpshooter from beyond the arc and is a solid defender.
Given New Orleans’ abundance of scorers, Murphy may be the preferred choice. His connection with Pelicans vice president Swin Cash and his current rookie contract status make him an attractive option, despite Jones recently signing a team-friendly four-year, $53.8 million deal.