Pelican trading before the deadline will likely come as a surprise to fans

NBA Insider Jake Fischer spoke on a stream Tuesday, noting that he “certainly expects Dejounte Murray to be available for trade if and when he returns.” It certainly sounds like Murray is the most likely player on this roster to be moved before the trade deadline, and this is likely a shock to New Orleans Pelicans fans who were expecting Trey Murphy or Herb Jones to potentially make a move.

What we’re seeing is that the Pelicans aren’t necessarily super intrigued by the trade offers they received for Jones and Murphy. If they are going to do anything before the February 5 deadline, Murray seems like the most likely candidate for a deal.

Between last season and this season, Murray’s only played a total of 31 games in a Pelicans uniform. It’s been a disappointing stretch to say the least, especially considering what New Orleans gave up to acquire him. Now it’s hard to imagine that his trade value is nearly as high as it was a year and a half ago.

Compounding Murray’s uncertain future is how much this Pelicans roster has changed since that summer trade of 2024. Moving on from former core pieces has put the Pelicans in a transition phase where youth and potential carry far more weight than established production.

Dejounte Murray could be moved before the deadline

Especially in a season in which Zion Williamson again struggled with injuries and had limited availability, New Orleans leaned heavily on its young talent. Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen are the only two players on this roster who have played in every game at the time of writing. They have already emerged not only as role players, but as central figures in the rotation.

Fears excelled as a primary creator, showing flashes of scoring efficiency and willingness to attack closeouts that you don’t often see from guys this early in their careers. Queen’s development was even more eye-opening. After receiving heavy criticism for factors beyond his control, the 13th overall pick has put up historic numbers for a rookie, including a triple-double.

That duo embodies the Pelicans’ current identity: competitive when they’re playing freely and more erratic when the game slows down, but always intriguing. They still have a ways to go and the losses are piling up, but Fears and Queen bring an energy that keeps fans invested even in an otherwise frustrating season.

So when you talk about the likelihood of New Orleans moving Murray before the Feb. 5 deadline, remember that this isn’t just about releasing a guy who has an injury. It’s about embracing the direction the franchise has already taken. With veterans on the move and the team at the bottom of the standings, packaging Murray for future assets or additional pieces could accelerate the rebuild that Fears and Queen’s presence has already unofficially begun.