New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray has officially requested a trade from the franchise, signaling a definitive end to his tenure with the team.
According to ESPN, Murray has informed the organization that he will not play for the Pelicans again while his trade request remains unresolved.
The request follows a period of mounting internal tension and poor on-court performance for the 30-year-old guard. Pelicans team officials and Murray’s agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, have begun working together to find a resolution for the one-time All-Star, according to reports from Shams Charania.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray wants a trade from the franchise, and his agent Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and team officials have started working on a resolution for the one-time All-Star, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/OoozAwcqvN
The Pelicans confirmed the development in a statement, noting, “Today, Dejounte Murray’s representatives informed us of his trade request. We will evaluate potential trade opportunities that are in the best interest of the team.”
The situation in New Orleans reached a breaking point following a 111-145 home loss to the Brooklyn Nets, which contributed to the team’s current 4-8 record and four-game losing streak.
Following that defeat, social media commentary highlighted a disparity in the team’s record—noting the Pelicans were 3-0 when Murray was absent but 1-8 when he played. Murray responded to these claims on social media, alleging that the narrative was being pushed by internal sources and stating, “The ‘sabotage’ is real,” a post that was later deleted.
Further reports indicated that Murray’s relationship with the coaching staff had deteriorated. During the loss to the Nets, Murray was observed appearing to use an expletive toward head coach Jamahl Mosley. The guard is currently sidelined with a left ankle sprain and is expected to miss the team’s NBA Cup game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Anonymous NBA executive on Dejounte Murray trade request from the Pelicans, Via @AmicoHoops “I think they’re going to be stuck with each other for a while. There just aren’t a lot of teams looking to make moves right now. Murray is a nice player but probably not a guy who you… pic.twitter.com/WxrfZFah7r
Murray, a 2022 All-Star, was acquired by the Pelicans in June 2024 in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks that saw New Orleans send out two first-round draft picks along with Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and E.J. Liddell. Since joining the team, Murray has suffered several injuries, including a fractured hand in the 2024 season opener and a torn right Achilles tendon in January 2025.
Over the past three seasons, he has played in only 54 games. Statistically, Murray has seen a decline in production since his arrival in New Orleans. While he averaged 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in the 2023-24 season prior to the trade, his scoring has dropped to a career-low 13.4 points per game this season.
As the Pelicans look toward a new direction, they have begun shifting the team’s primary playmaking responsibilities toward second-year guard Jeremiah Fears. According to reports, the Phoenix Suns have expressed interest in acquiring Murray, though sources indicate that no formal negotiations between the organizations have commenced. Murray is currently under contract with a salary of $32.8 million for this season and holds a $30.8 million player option for the following year.