Lakers, Warriors reportedly place trade calls to Pelicans

Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy III, Pelicans, Lakers, Warriors, NBA
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The Pelicans are drawing trade interest from two familiar contenders as their season continues to slide.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, both the Lakers and Warriors have reached out to New Orleans to gauge availability on key forwards. Los Angeles has shown interest in Herbert Jones, while Golden State has its eye on Trey Murphy III.

New Orleans owns the Western Conference’s worst record at 5-22, but Haynes reports the Pelicans are maintaining a high asking price on both players.

Jones, 27, is earning $13.9 million this season and remains one of the league’s most versatile two-way wings. He is averaging 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while providing consistent perimeter defense.

Murphy, 25, is making $25 million and has emerged as one of the league’s more reliable scoring forwards. He is averaging 21.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting efficiently from all three levels.

The interest lines up with each team’s needs. The Lakers, currently 18-7 and sitting fourth in the West, have struggled defensively, ranking near the bottom of the league in points allowed and defensive rating. The Warriors, meanwhile, are 13-14 and continue to search for offensive balance behind Stephen Curry.

For now, New Orleans appears content to listen rather than move quickly, even amid a difficult season.

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