Pelicans Rumors: Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, Saddiq Bey, James Borrego

The Pelicans are sitting at 7-22, which puts them squarely in evaluation mode, whether they want to call it that or not.

Around the league, teams are paying attention.

Sources tell Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal that wings Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones continue to draw significant interest. Neither is being actively shopped, but that hasn’t stopped teams from checking in.

Clubs like the Lakers and Warriors, both in need of wing help, would need to come strong. Very strong.

Bey’s Stock Rising

Another name gaining traction is Saddiq Bey, per Afseth.

After missing all of last season while rehabbing a torn ACL, Bey has worked his way back into form and, in the process, back onto radar screens across the league. His value isn’t just about scoring anymore. It’s about reliability, versatility and being playable in real games.

“I prayed during my whole rehab process to be in a situation where it could be beneficial for me,” Bey told Afseth, reflecting on the long road back. “God is blessing me with the opportunity to be healthy and be able to play.”

A Different Perspective

The time away changed how Bey sees the game.

Watching from the outside forced him to slow things down, pick up details and redefine what impact looks like beyond points, Afseth added. That has shown up on the floor. He’s guarded multiple positions, shifted roles depending on lineup needs and avoided forcing things.

The production has followed. Bey is averaging 14.8 points and 6.1 rebounds overall. In starts, those numbers climb to 17.6 and 7.2, with efficient shooting on real volume.

Coaching Matters

New Orleans has liked what it’s seen from the team in terms of effort and even results under interim coach James Borrego, sources told Hoops Wire.

It’s way too soon to say whether Borrego will land the job for good, but word is, he’ll get the rest of this season to make his case. If the Pelicans do make any moves, they’re more likely to involve the roster than further changes to the coaching staff, sources said.