Pelicans Hold Firm on High Asking Price for Trey Murphy III Amid Interest from Pistons and Pacers

The New Orleans Pelicans are holding strong on their asking price for forward Trey Murphy III, despite growing trade interest from the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers. While teams have reached out, the Pelicans have not yet officially shopped Murphy and are waiting to see if a deal that meets their high expectations materializes.

Murphy is coming off a strong 2023-24 season in which he averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. He shot 37.9 percent from three-point range across 66 games, showing significant growth as a perimeter threat. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute on both ends of the floor has made him a coveted trade target.

The 25-year-old is under contract through the 2029 offseason via a four-year, $112 million deal. He will be owed $27 million next season, making him a relatively affordable option for teams seeking a high-impact wing. However, the Pelicans are reportedly seeking a return that matches the value Murphy brings on and off the floor.

"They want a lot," one interested team told ESPN this week.

While the Pelicans are not actively shopping Murphy, they are keeping the door open for offers. The Pistons and Pacers are among the teams that have shown interest but have yet to receive a proposal that satisfies New Orleans' demands. General manager Joe Dumars is handling all inbound inquiries and has not reached out to other teams to gauge interest.

A trade for Murphy could significantly reshape the rosters of either the Pistons or Pacers, both of whom are in win-now modes. The Pelicans, on the other hand, are likely weighing whether to move on from Murphy or keep him as a building block for the future.

Murphy is represented by agent Sean Kennedy, who will play a key role in any potential negotiations. The player's performance this season and how the Pelicans evaluate their long-term direction will play a major role in how this situation develops.

Teams interested in Murphy must act quickly as the trade deadline approaches. With just over a month until the deadline, the Pelicans could still hold firm or reconsider their stance if the right offer comes in.