The New Orleans Pelicans are actively engaging in significant trade discussions regarding veteran starters Trey Murphy and Herb Jones just days before the 2026 NBA Draft in Brooklyn, New York, according to reports from Yahoo Sports and NOLA.
com on June 22, 2026.
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The front office aims to acquire a first-round draft choice after relinquishing their original 2026 pick in a previous trade.
Multiple league sources indicate that between six and 12 teams have expressed interest in both players.
ESPN journalist Shams Charania reported that Jones and Murphy are attracting significant market attention.
Bleacher Report analyst Jake Fischer further noted that the Pelicans are holding out for multiple first-round draft picks in exchange for either athlete.
Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars acknowledged that the front office remains receptive to roster alterations following consecutive seasons with fewer than 30 victories.
The team currently holds only the 58th overall pick.
"Unless you’re a championship team, you might tweak one or two things," said Dumars.
He clarified that the organization is evaluating all incoming inquiries to improve the roster's rebounding, rim protection, and perimeter shooting.
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"When you’re where we are, you have to be open to everything. And that’s where I am.
I am open to whatever comes across my desk.
Whatever phone calls I get, I’m open to it to listen and see if this is the right thing for us at this moment.
I don’t think you can close off anything where we are right now," Dumars added.
The front office executive also addressed the status of foundational forward Zion Williamson under newly appointed head coach Jamahl Mosley.
"We haven’t changed our opinion on Zion," said Dumars.
Management expects Williamson to remain a core piece alongside All-Rookie second-team selections Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. "I’d love to see Jamahl coach Zion.
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I’d love to see him get Zion to defend and do all the things that he said. Let’s see what we have here," Dumars concluded.
