NBA exec on Dejounte Murray, Pelicans: ‘They’re going to be stuck with each other for a while’

Dejounte Murray wants a trade. The Pelicans say they’ll explore their options. Finding a deal anytime soon could be another matter.

That’s the assessment of one rival NBA executive, who told Hoops Wire that Murray and the Pelicans may have to wait this out.

“I think they’re going to be stuck with each other for a while,” the executive said. “There just aren’t a lot of teams looking to make moves right now. Murray is a nice player but probably not a guy who you change your season for at this point.”

The executive’s reasoning is straightforward. Most teams are only a dozen or so games into the season and still evaluating their rosters. Giving up on players or combinations this early would require a compelling return, and the executive doubts Murray will generate that urgency.

The Pelicans confirmed Murray’s request Friday, saying they would evaluate trade opportunities “that are in the best interest of our organization.”

As previously covered by Hoops Wire, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that agent Rich Paul and team officials had begun working toward a resolution. Chris Haynes identified the Suns among interested teams, though Phoenix and New Orleans reportedly have yet to engage in trade talks.

Murray has added to the public attention himself. He reposted Charania’s report about his trade request after previously suggesting in a deleted post that he was being undermined.

“The sabotage is real!” Murray wrote.

So his preference is clear. The market is less certain. Murray holds a $30.8 million player option for 2027-28, giving potential trade partners another consideration beyond their immediate needs.

For the Pelicans, the request starts a search. As the rival executive sees it, getting an acceptable offer could take considerably longer.