Murray seeks trade as Pelicans explore options

The New Orleans Pelicans’ three-year experiment with star guard Dejounte Murray is ending sooner than planned. After a season marked by injuries and limited output, Murray has formally requested a trade, the team confirmed in a statement released Friday.

Murray’s request follows his public responses to fan criticism on social media, though those posts were later deleted. His push for a trade comes amid New Orleans’ slow start—currently at 4–9—and a front office prioritizing rebuilding over retaining players. With a $30.8 million player option next season, Murray is now exploring his options, and reports suggest the Phoenix Suns are his top destination.

According to The Athletic, Murray has expressed strong interest in joining the Suns in a deal involving Jalen Green. Both guards are on similar contracts, but Phoenix’s interest remains uncertain. The Suns, who are committed to $36 million for Green’s player option next year, may view Murray as a way to free up cap space while adding a secondary playmaker alongside Devin Booker. However, Murray’s injury history and the Suns’ need for a more reliable starter raise questions about whether the fit is ideal.

Such a trade would create flexibility for Phoenix. With Miles Bridges set to become a free agent, the Suns could use the extra cap room to retain him or pursue other targets. Murray’s $30.8 million salary is slightly lower than Green’s, but the Suns would still inherit a long-term contract that could limit their flexibility if he struggles with durability again.

Warriors eyeing trade swap with Porziņģis

Other teams are also considering Murray, each weighing different trade calculations. The Golden State Warriors, for example, are looking to offload Kristaps Porziņģis’ contract, a $40 million deal over two years, after he opted out due to health concerns. A direct 1-for-1 swap isn’t financially feasible, but adding Moses Moody or other assets could make a deal possible. The Pelicans might take on Porziņģis’ contract, with only $3 million guaranteed next season, while Golden State clears cap space for future moves.

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The Warriors could benefit from Murray’s playmaking, especially with Steph Curry sidelined indefinitely. However, integrating him alongside Brandin Podziemski and the eventual return of Jimmy Butler could create logistical challenges. Still, the need for production in the backcourt makes Murray an attractive option if the fit works.

The Detroit Pistons present another plausible destination. With Cade Cunningham handling most of the offensive load, Detroit could use a veteran guard to ease the burden. Murray’s ability to create shots would complement Cunningham’s playmaking, though his injury concerns remain a risk. The Pistons would need to trade restricted free agents like John Collins and Kevin Huerter to make the deal work, but their cap situation allows for flexibility.

Kings and Pistons as backup options

A move to the Sacramento Kings could also make sense. With Darius Acuff Jr. carrying the backcourt load, Murray would provide veteran leadership and guard depth. The Kings, however, would need to include draft capital or another trade chip to match Murray’s salary with their own expiring contracts, such as Zach LaVine’s. The Pelicans could take back LaVine’s $49 million deal while keeping Murray and Herb Jones under the cap.

The Suns’ interest in Murray remains speculative, but the potential fit carries both financial and on-court implications.

The trade would free up cap space for Bridges, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. If Phoenix retains Bridges, they could use the extra flexibility to pursue other targets, such as a backup big or a young forward. However, Murray’s role as a secondary creator, rather than a primary starter, raises questions about whether he aligns with the Suns’ immediate needs.