The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and with it comes a flurry of speculation and intrigue—nowhere more so than in the orbit of the New Orleans Pelicans and their breakout wing, Trey Murphy III. As the Pelicans grapple with another season of unmet expectations, a new coach and fresh front office faces, the same old questions linger: Is this the year New Orleans finally hits the reset button, or will they double down on their core by leveraging an enviable collection of assets?
Murphy III, just 25 years old and in the midst of a career year, has become the hottest commodity on the trade market. His recent performances have only added fuel to the fire. On January 6, 2026, he erupted for a career-high 42 points against the Los Angeles Lakers, shooting 14-for-26 from the field, 6-for-17 from deep, and a near-perfect 8-for-9 from the charity stripe. He also chipped in five rebounds and three assists over 39 minutes, marking the third time this season he’s hit at least six triples in a game. Over his last five outings, Murphy has averaged a scorching 25.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 37.2 minutes per game.
Despite Murphy’s heroics, the Pelicans fell 111-103 to the Lakers, a result that underscores the team’s ongoing struggles. Yet, for teams around the league—most notably the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers—Murphy’s star is only rising. The Lakers, long rumored to be in the market for a two-way wing, were surely impressed by Murphy’s statement performance. As reported by The Sporting News, "the price for Murphy surely went up after Tuesday’s action against the Lakers." With the Pelicans hesitant to move either Murphy or fellow defensive ace Herb Jones, contenders are being forced to dig deep into their asset pools if they want to pry away such talent.
Enter the Detroit Pistons. Currently sitting atop the Eastern Conference with a 27-9 record after a convincing 31-point win over the New York Knicks on January 5, the Pistons are in a prime position to make a championship push. But as NBA analyst Zach Lowe pointed out on his podcast, the Pistons’ offense is in dire need of more shooting, ranking just 26th in the league in three-pointers made per game. Murphy, who averages 20.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 49% from the field and 38.4% from beyond the arc, could be the missing piece.
Lowe didn’t mince words about his recommended approach for Detroit: "If I can get Trey Murphy III for [Pistons forward] Tobias Harris and some first-round picks, maybe three first-round picks and a swap, and [Pistons guard Jaden] Ivey, I’m thinking really hard about doing that." The logic is clear—Murphy’s 7.4 three-point attempts per game outpace all current Pistons, and his effective field goal percentage of 58.8% would lead all Detroit regulars. He’s also locked up for the next three seasons on a deal paying $27-31 million annually, making him a long-term asset rather than a rental.
But it’s not all sunshine and slam dunks. The Pistons’ leadership, including president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon—who, notably, was part of the front office that drafted Murphy in New Orleans—faces a complex calculus. Tobias Harris and Jaden Ivey are both on expiring contracts, making them logical trade chips, but Harris’s leadership and playoff experience are valued in Detroit’s young locker room. As Lowe noted, "Harris is better in the mid-range and post and can defend bigger guys." There’s also the question of whether Ivey or even Ausar Thompson, whom the Pelicans would likely covet, might eventually outpace Murphy’s production on cheaper deals.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans’ own trade calculus is anything but straightforward. New Orleans controls several valuable assets: Herb Jones, whose defensive versatility and team-friendly contract ($13.9 million, locked through 2028-29) could command two or even three first-round picks; Saddiq Bey, who’s quietly excelled this season and could be a low-risk, high-reward option for teams needing wing depth; and Jose Alvarado, a fan favorite and energetic bench presence who could net a project player and multiple second-rounders. The Pelicans also hold the right to the more favorable of their own and the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2027 first-round picks—a potential lottery selection given the Bucks’ uncertain future—and an untouched 2028 first-rounder, highly prized for its flexibility.
Yet, for all the assets at their disposal, the Pelicans have been reluctant to signal a full rebuild. As of January 7, 2026, Zion Williamson’s trade market remains quiet, and front office chief Joe Dumars appears content to fish for offers rather than rush into any deal. As one report put it, "There should be no rush to move Jones in January." The Pelicans, despite their 8-29 record and a first-round pick owed unprotected to Atlanta, have no incentive to tank, making any trade involving Murphy or Jones a high-stakes affair.
Contenders like the Lakers and Pistons aren’t the only ones circling. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies, and Golden State Warriors are all rumored to be monitoring the situation, each with their own blend of assets and urgency. For teams with championship aspirations, the price for proven, two-way wings like Murphy and Jones has never been higher.
But what about the Pelicans’ future? Should they cash in their chips and embrace a patient rebuild, or try to retool around Murphy, Jones, and whatever haul they can get for their surplus veterans? Joe Dumars’s flexibility at the deadline—armed with tradable picks, team-friendly contracts, and young talent—gives New Orleans options few other struggling franchises enjoy.
As the trade deadline looms, the NBA world waits with bated breath. Will Detroit go all-in for Murphy and cement themselves as favorites in the East? Will the Lakers find a way to lure Murphy or Jones to Hollywood? Or will the Pelicans, ever the enigma, choose to stand pat and see where this current core can take them?
One thing’s certain: with Murphy’s value skyrocketing, the Pelicans’ phone lines won’t be quiet for long. The next few weeks promise to be pivotal—not just for New Orleans, but for the balance of power across the NBA landscape.
