The 2026-27 NBA season has its first disgruntled star in the New Orleans Pelicans’ Dejounte Murray, and he is requesting a trade.
“Today, Dejounte Murray’s representatives informed us of his request to be traded,” the Pelicans said in a statement Friday (Saturday morning, Philippine time). “We will evaluate potential trade opportunities that are in the best interest of our organization.”
New Orleans has limped out to a 4-9 record this season, with its latest loss a 142-111 blowout to the surprising Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. Curiously, the Pelicans were previously unbeaten—3-0—without Murray in the lineup before losing to the Grizzlies. In the nine games he has played so far this season, the former San Antonio Spurs guard put up 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals.
Dejounte Murray Will Sit Out the Season Until Traded
As the Pelicans look to move Dejounte Murray, don’t expect him to play another game for New Orleans ever again. According to multiple reports, the 30-year-old guard will be sitting out games until the Pelicans trade him. Meaning, the next time he will suit up is for his new team.
A report from Sam Amick suggests Murray is very interested in joining the Phoenix Suns, with his camp supposedly hoping that a deal centered on Jalen Green could materialize. However, both the Suns and Pelicans have reportedly not engaged in any trade talks involving the two guards.
Injuries Have Derailed Dejounte Murray
Murray previously played for the Spurs and Atlanta Hawks. The Pelicans acquired him from the Hawks in 2024 in exchange for two first-round picks, Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and E.J. Liddell. His time in New Orleans, however, has been largely underwhelming, in part due to injuries.
Since coming to New Orleans, Murray has played only 54 games, including the nine he has played this season, as he has dealt with major injuries. His time with the Pelicans started ominously when he broke a hand in the team’s season opener in 2024. He then suffered a torn Achilles in January 2025, returning to action only this season.
Now, he wants out.
