New Orleans Pelicans vice president Joe Dumars shared a promising update on team forwards Herb Jones and Trey Murphy. Dumars said both players are “fully cleared to go” after months of recovery from shoulder surgeries.
“They’ve been scrimmaging for the last 2-3 weeks non stop,” Dumars said. “These guys have been back on the court at full speed… It’s no holds barred.”
Jones, who tore the posterior labrum in his right shoulder in January, was shut down for the remainder of the 2024–25 season after undergoing surgery in February. Before the injury, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 20 games.
The 26-year-old forward signed a three-year, $68 million extension with the Pelicans in July. Known for his perimeter defense and ability to guard multiple positions, Jones will look to stabilize New Orleans’ defense once again.
Murphy also faced a difficult setback last season. The 25-year-old averaged a career-high 21.2 points along with 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists before being sidelined in March due to a torn labrum and partial rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder.
Murphy had signed a four-year, $112 million extension in October 2024, solidifying his role as one of the team’s long-term cornerstones. His shooting and scoring versatility made him a key piece of the Pelicans’ offense before the injury.
The return of both players comes at a critical time for New Orleans. The Pelicans finished the 2024–25 season battling multiple injuries, including absences for Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, and rookie Derik Queen.
