Trey Murphy III Signs 4-Year, $112 Million Rookie Contract Extension With The Pelicans

Trey Murphy III has officially secured his future with the New Orleans Pelicans after agreeing to a four-year, $112 million contract extension, as reported by Shams Charania from ESPN. The 24-year-old forward, a key piece of the Pelicans' young core, continues to rise in the NBA, and this deal signifies the team's confidence in his ability to contribute long-term. 

The extension, which starts in the 2025-26 season and does not include a player option, ensures Murphy will be with the team through the 2028-29 season. Murphy’s journey to this substantial contract has been a remarkable one. Drafted 17th overall by the Pelicans in the 2021 NBA Draft, he has steadily improved each season, evolving into one of the league’s most promising young players. 

Known for his three-point shooting and defensive potential, Murphy has become a vital component of the Pelicans' plans moving forward, especially alongside stars like Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray. His ability to space the floor, score in transition, and defend multiple positions makes him an ideal fit for the modern NBA.

Murphy had a breakout 2023-24 season, averaging career highs of 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 44.3% from the field and 38% from three-point range. His combination of size, at 6'9", and his sharp shooting touch has made him one of the league’s top 3-and-D players, a valuable asset in today’s game. The Pelicans' decision to lock him down with this extension speaks volumes about how highly they regard his potential and current contributions.

Pelicans head coach Willie Green has praised Murphy for his work ethic and improvement on both ends of the floor, noting how important he is to the team’s overall success. Murphy’s continued development as a defender has also been a crucial factor in the Pelicans' decision to offer him such a lucrative deal. His versatility on the defensive end allows the Pelicans to use him in a variety of lineups, which is especially important for a team aiming to make deep playoff runs in the future.

While Murphy is expected to miss the start of the 2024-25 season due to a hamstring injury sustained in training camp, the Pelicans remain confident in his long-term value to the team. His extension solidifies his role within a core that also includes Williamson, Murray, Herb Jones, and CJ McCollum. This group of players is expected to be the foundation of the Pelicans' championship aspirations over the next several years.

Murphy's extension also raises questions about the future of some of the Pelicans' other key players, particularly Brandon Ingram. With the significant financial commitments already made to players like Williamson, Murray, Jones, McCollum, and now Murphy, the Pelicans could face salary cap challenges if they also decide to offer Ingram a max contract. 

Ingram is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, and while the team has expressed interest in keeping him, it will be interesting to see how they manage their salary cap moving forward.

Regardless of what happens with Ingram, the Pelicans are clearly committed to building around their young core, and Trey Murphy III is an essential part of that vision. As he continues to develop and recover from his injury, Pelicans fans can look forward to seeing him play a pivotal role in the team’s future success. With his new contract in hand, Murphy is poised to become one of the faces of the franchise as the Pelicans aim to compete for championships in the years to come.