Pelicans confirm Dejounte Murray trade request, will explore options

The Pelicans have officially acknowledged Dejounte Murray’s trade request. Their next step is finding a deal that works for them.

“Today, Dejounte Murray’s representatives informed us of his request to be traded. We will evaluate potential trade opportunities that are in the best interest of our organization,” the team said in a statement Friday.

That puts the Pelicans on record after a busy day involving Murray, agent Rich Paul and questions about where the veteran guard could land.

As previously covered by Hoops Wire, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the request, with Chris Haynes identifying the Suns among interested teams.

But Phoenix’s involvement comes with some qualifications.

According to Hoops Rumors’ Eli Cohen, the teams have not yet engaged in trade talks. Suns reporter John Gambadoro also indicated that Phoenix has greater needs in defensive rebounding and the frontcourt than at point guard.

Gambadoro noted that Collin Gillespie could move into the starting lineup if the Suns change their rotation, unless they acquire a high-level veteran point guard. He expects any Jalen Green trade to come later in the season.

The Suns have won four of their last five games, giving them some reason to see how things develop before making a significant move.

Murray, meanwhile, has made his position increasingly clear. After suggesting in a deleted post that he was being undermined, he reposted Charania’s report about his desire to leave.

Now the Pelicans have responded publicly, too. Their statement leaves the destination and timing open, while making clear that any return will have to serve the organization’s interests.

Murray wants a move. Getting there still requires another team to make an offer the Pelicans want.

MORE PELICANS

• Dejounte Murray reposts his own trade request report
• Murray fires back in deleted post: ‘The sabotage is real’