Pelicans open to offers for Trey Murphy, Herb Jones

Dec 6, 2025 3:27 PM

The New Orleans Pelicans began the year aiming for a playoff run, but reports now indicate the team is preparing for a philosophical shift. Instead of continuing to center the roster on its veteran core, the franchise is believed to be reorienting around young prospects Jeremiah Fears and Deriq Queen.

As part of that pivot, New Orleans is said to be open to fielding trade inquiries on Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones.

Williamson’s ongoing availability issues have led many teams to view him as having negative trade value, while Murphy and Jones are considered strong, in-demand wings who could draw considerable interest before the February 5 NBA trade deadline.

“You can be rest assured the Pelicans will be listening on trade offers for (Williamson),” said Jake Fischer on Thursday’s Bleacher Report stream.

“And there are definitely teams that have told me as recently as today that New Orleans is now starting to listen and at least show some willingness to listen on Herb Jones and Trey Murphy as well.

“Those guys are going to have a lot of interest around the league. They’re both on very strong long-term contracts that are considered relatively team-friendly. Under $30 million in average annual value, which is a big threshold in this current market.”

Jones signed a three-year, $68 million extension in July with a player option for 2029–30, while Murphy agreed to a four-year, $112 million extension in October 2024 that lasts through 2029. Williamson remains under contract until 2028, though specific conditions could void the deal.

“The Pelicans are going to hold a high asking price and are going to need multiple first round picks to move on from either of those guys,” added Fischer.

“That’s my understanding as of now. But right now, it is pretty clear that the Pelicans with interim head coach James Borrego are moving in a direction of a team built around Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen.”