Pelicans still saying no on Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, listening on others

The Pelicans keep saying no on the players teams actually want, and yes, quietly, on the ones they might move.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, New Orleans has consistently turned away trade interest in Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones. Teams continue to call anyway. The response has not changed.

But in those same conversations, rival clubs have walked away with a different read. The Pelicans appear far more open to discussions involving Yves Missi and Jordan Hawkins.

Missi’s role has quietly shrunk. After starting 67 games as a rookie, he has started just seven times this season and is averaging 18.2 minutes per game, now sitting behind rookie Derik Queen in the frontcourt rotation. That has not gone unnoticed around the league. Fischer confirms the Pacers are among the teams that have checked in on Missi, echoing earlier reports.

Hawkins is a tougher sell. The former lottery pick is having the worst season of his career, averaging 4.4 points and shooting just 30.3 percent from three. His trade value is limited.

As for Murphy and Jones, some teams still wonder if New Orleans is posturing. Fischer is not buying that. The Pelicans’ stance appears real.

They are protecting the core and listening elsewhere.