Latest Pelicans Trade Update May Frustrate Fans

The Athletic's Will Guillory revealed that sources within the organization told him that New Orleans has not had any conversations with other teams about the possible availability of Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, or Zion Williamson. That severely narrows the return haul the Pelicans could get for future assets to upgrade the team through the draft or other younger players.

Frustration levels have grown both within and outside the organization with Williamson's lack of availability on the court. The two-time All-Star is again out for an extended period after suffering an abductor strain in his hip. Injuries have defined the former No. 1 overall pick's career, with the talented forward playing in more than 30 games in a season just twice since being drafted in 2019. Many looking for a divorce between the two parties will need to wait if the reports are true.

It's unclear what trade value the former Duke standout has, given his extensive injury history, but the Pelicans could receive some good compensation if they could offload Jones and Murphy III. Yet, it seems unlikely that the team would move on from the sharpshooting Murphy III. The former first-round pick is one of the main focuses of the offense with Williamson and Jordan Poole on the sidelines with injuries.

Murphy III figured to take a prominent leap after the team traded Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors last season. The move was seen as a way to help unleash Murphy's full offensive potential after averaging career-highs in minutes, points, rebounds, and assists a year ago. His fellow 2021 draft mate, Herb Jones, seems like a more likely candidate to be on the move.

Jones is on a team-friendly contract after signing an extension worth three years, $68 million last offseason. The deal means he's not eligible to be traded until January, but reports are that teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers have shown interest in the defensive standout. Jones is also currently out with an injury, but his track record suggests that he can stay healthy. He's improved his scoring and three-point shooting since joining the Pelicans, demonstrating that he can become a solid 3&D player in this league.

There is much uncertainty surrounding the direction of this team moving forward. Who stays and who goes at the trade deadline will be a hot-button issue moving forward. Changes need to be made in order to redirect and redefine the vision for this team in the future.

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