Pelicans Open Door to Trey Murphy Trade as Blazers Watch

As the NBA trade season nears, New Orleans appears to have changed its stance on Trey Murphy, the player long linked as an ideal fit alongside Deni Avdija in Portland. In a report published overnight, veteran insider Marc Stein said the Pelicans are now willing to listen to offers for Murphy, whereas they had previously rejected any idea of moving him.

Murphy, one of the league’s better shooters, would still cost a major return. Stein said New Orleans is expected to ask for “a lot” in any deal, and in some scenarios the Portland draft picks owned by Milwaukee could be part of the package.

For now, the Trail Blazers are focused on two priorities: trying to land Giannis Antetokounmpo and hiring a head coach. If Portland does pursue Murphy, the main competition appears to be Detroit, which finished first in the East this season, and Indiana, which reached the 2024/25 Finals.

Murphy, 25, averaged 21.5 points per game this season, shooting 47% from the field and 37.9% from three on 8.6 attempts per game, along with 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists. He is under contract through the 2028/29 season.