The New Orleans Pelicans have not had much to be happy about over the past few years, but Trey Murphy III has become one of the few bright spots that continues to shine for this long-suffering franchise.

New Orleans has made the playoffs only twice since 2019, with first-round appearances in 2022 and 2024. The franchise’s hopes were supposed to revolve around Zion Williamson, the first overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, but his availability–or lack thereof–has been a constant issue. Williamson has played only 276 of a possible 492 regular-season games through his first six years, leaving the Pelicans searching for stability around a vision that has never truly materialized.

With Williamson constantly sidelined, Murphy has quietly become one of the most important pieces of not only their future, but their present as well.

The 26-year-old forward led New Orleans in scoring last season, averaging 21.5 points on 47.0 percent shooting from the field, 37.9 percent from three, and 88.6 percent from the free-throw line. He also made 3.2 three-pointers per game, the kind of shooting volume and efficiency that every team in the league could benefit from. If he had not been asked to carry such a heavy role for a struggling Pelicans team, he would definitely have a real chance at recording an esteemed 50-40-90 season.

Murphy has grown consistently since entering the league. He was drafted 17th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2021 before being immediately traded to New Orleans, and he has increased his scoring average in every NBA season since.

At 6-foot-8 and 206 pounds, Murphy has the size, strength, and mobility to play multiple positions. He can slide from shooting guard to power forward, space the floor, and defend different types of players. Most importantly, he does not need the ball constantly in his hands to make an impact which is why his name continues to surface in trade rumors.

The Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, and Boston Celtics are reportedly trying to pry Murphy away from the Pelicans, while the Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks are also said to be interested. 

The fact that teams are lining up for a chance to acquire Murphy is unsurprising as he can make any team better simply by being on the floor for them. One of his most valuable traits is that his scoring comes without the kind of usage that players averaging more than 20 points typically have. 

Murphy ranked 21st in the NBA in points per game last season, but was only 110th in usage rate behind players such as Jonathan Kuminga, Bobby Portis Jr., and Bradley Beal which speaks to his efficiency and impact. He produces without dominating possessions, which is why almost any team in the league could plug him in and immediately get better.

What makes this even more interesting is that New Orleans does not have to trade him. Murphy is under contract until 2029, giving the Pelicans every reason to keep him unless another team overwhelms them with an offer. Given how valuable he is, that should be the only way they even consider moving him.

However, New Orleans’ decision-making has not exactly been steady in recent years. Trading Murphy should not even be a consideration, but it cannot be completely dismissed with their track record. The Pelicans may not fully appreciate the kind of player they already have and the rest of the league is trying to take advantage.

Whether he stays in New Orleans or eventually lands elsewhere, Murphy looks like his career trajectory is only going to continue going up. For a Pelicans team that has been searching for direction for many years now, ignoring the trade offers and keeping Murphy around for the long haul should be a no-brainer.