Pelicans willing to listen to offers on Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones

The Pelicans might finally be ready to tear it down. And the names on the table are big ones.

The expectation in New Orleans was a playoff push. Instead, rival teams now believe the Pelicans are preparing for a pivot built around young guards Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen.

That has the front office quietly listening on trade calls for Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.

And yes, Zion is included.

“You can be rest assured the Pelicans will be listening on trade offers for Williamson,” Fischer said.

He added that teams have been told New Orleans is also showing real willingness to hear offers on Murphy and Jones.

Murphy and Jones would be two of the most coveted wings on the market. Both are regarded as elite role fits on winning teams and both are on long-term, team-friendly deals. Jones signed a three-year, $68 million extension in July. Murphy signed four years and $112 million in October.

Each carries an average annual value under $30 million, which Fischer called “a big threshold in this current market.”

Zion is a different story. Health concerns have crushed his trade value, with several teams privately labeling it “negative value.” He is signed through 2028, although his contract includes conditions that could void portions of it.

“The Pelicans are going to hold a high asking price,” Fischer said. “They will need multiple firsts to move on from either Murphy or Jones.”