The 2026-27 NBA season has already produced a significant storyline involving Dejounte Murray, the 2022 All-Star who joined the New Orleans Pelicans before the 2024-25 campaign. On Friday, Murray formally requested a trade, signaling a desire to leave a franchise where his tenure has been marked by inconsistency and public friction. Although he returned strongly at the end of last season after an Achilles injury, his performance has struggled since the new season began. In the 31 games he played during his first year in New Orleans, his shooting percentages dropped to career lows, and his defensive impact has waned since his days with the San Antonio Spurs.
The Pelicans have started the current season with a 1-8 record in games featuring Murray. Statistical analysis indicates that New Orleans has lost more than 14 points per 100 possessions when he is on the floor compared to when he is off it. His dissatisfaction has not gone unnoticed, as he has voiced complaints through various channels. On The Pivot Podcast in 2025, Murray stated that the organization was not providing him with the necessary training time, access to lifts, or court time. He also publicly expressed frustration on social media, including a retweet of Shams Charania’s report on his trade request, a move that could technically subject him to a fine for publicly seeking a transaction.
Given Murray's current status, his trade value is considered minimal by industry observers. Any resulting deal will likely follow a problem-for-problem structure, involving another player with a bloated multi-year contract that a team is eager to shed. Three specific destinations appear to offer the most logical pathways for such a swap, addressing specific roster needs while managing financial implications.
The Phoenix Suns have registered known interest according to reporter Chris Haynes. Phoenix has struggled with a lack of a primary point guard, an issue that caused early locker room frustration. While the team has improved recently, winning four of its last five games after a 1-5 start, the integration of Jalen Green has been difficult. The Suns possess a net rating of -15.7 when Green plays and +10.2 when he sits. Green’s shooting has declined sharply, and he lacks the playmaking ability that Devin Booker requires in a backcourt partner. Swapping Murray for Green would allow the Suns to acquire a point guard closer to Booker’s preferred archetype, while the Pelicans could potentially utilize Jeremiah Fears at the one position.
The Miami Heat represent another potential landing spot, primarily due to the struggles of Andrew Wiggins in a Giannis Antetokounmpo-centric system. Wiggins is averaging fewer than nine points per game on career-worst shooting numbers, and his defense has slipped. Miami lacks a reliable shot-creating guard, a gap Murray could partially fill despite his own limitations from the three-point line. The trade also offers significant financial relief for New Orleans. Wiggins picked up his player option and added a cheap extension, meaning he makes over $30 million this season but only $16.3 million next year. This structure allows the Pelicans to match salaries now while gaining future flexibility, potentially enabling them to trade other forwards like Trey Murphy III or Herbert Jones for draft capital.
Finally, the Charlotte Hornets offer a unique financial solution. While Murray’s shooting style does not align with Charlotte’s high-volume three-point offense, the team is currently dealing with the NBA’s worst offensive rating and highest turnover rate following the trade of LaMelo Ball. The Hornets possess a $40.8 million trade exception and nearly $30 million in room below the tax line, allowing them to absorb Murray’s contract almost entirely without sending out another player. However, because the Pelicans would be giving up a former All-Star with a player option, they would likely demand first-round draft compensation. This makes the trade viable only if New Orleans prioritizes immediate financial relief over long-term asset value.
Each destination presents distinct challenges and benefits. The Suns would gain a traditional point guard but lose a potential future asset in Green. The Heat would secure a secondary shot creator and significant salary savings, betting on Wiggins’ revival in New Orleans. The Hornets would stabilize their backcourt but must navigate complex draft capital negotiations. As the trade market continues to develop, these three teams appear best positioned to facilitate a move that resolves the current stalemate in New Orleans.
