Pelicans making it clear Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and others off-limits

January 9, 2026

NBA, Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans — Getty

The Pelicans are signaling stability ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, New Orleans is rebuffing trade inquiries on Zion Williamson, Herbert Jones, and Trey Murphy III, telling teams all three will remain with the club through the deadline. Rookie forward Derik Queen and guard Jeremiah Fears are also considered off-limits.

That stance comes despite an 8-31 start and months of speculation that New Orleans could pivot toward more significant roster changes under executive vice president Joe Dumars and assistant GM Troy Weaver, who took over last spring.

Williamson, a two-time All-Star, has again produced when healthy, averaging 22.4 points in limited action, though durability and contract protections continue to shape outside interest. Jones remains one of the league’s top defensive wings, while Murphy has emerged as a true two-way scorer on a long-term extension.

There’s still time for stances to shift, but today, the Pelicans appear intent on keeping their core intact.

That doesn’t mean inactivity. Veterans such as Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, Jose Alvarado, and Kevon Looney remain names to watch as the deadline approaches.