The New Orleans Pelicans continue to struggle this season, holding a 12-37 record as the February 5 trade deadline approaches. The team is actively exploring trades involving veteran contributors, aiming to secure valuable future assets, with a particular focus on maximizing return value from players like Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones.
Despite interest from other NBA franchises, the Pelicans have established a high benchmark for any trades, indicating a preference for offers comparable in value to the recent Desmond Bane trade.
Comparing Trade Demands to Desmond Bane’s Acquisition
Currently placed 15th in the Western Conference standings, New Orleans is considering parting with key pieces such as Zion Williamson, Murphy, and Jones. NBA insider Marc Stein revealed that the Pelicans’ asking price resembles the significant return Orlando acquired for Desmond Bane last offseason.
“What would it take to get the Pelicans to relent on their oft-cited resistance to trading either Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones? I’ve heard this one from multiple teams lately: They would want a Desmond Bane-type offer,”
Stein wrote.
“Orlando parted with four future first-round picks and a first-round pick swap to acquire Bane from Memphis in June.”
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Orlando’s acquisition of Bane involved sending Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four future first-round draft picks, and a first-round pick swap to Memphis. This steep cost highlights New Orleans’ intention to demand a substantial haul for its stars, leaving the roster’s depth players, like Yves Missi, as the sole remaining trade assets with lower value.
Interest from Lakers and Warriors Faces High Price Tags
Herbert Jones, recognized for his All-Defensive potential, has attracted interest from the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the Lakers’ reported offers, including their 2031 and 2032 first-round picks, young talent Dalton Knecht, and expiring contract Gabe Vincent, do not meet New Orleans’ lofty demands.
Meanwhile, Trey Murphy III, a versatile sharpshooter who averages 21.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game with nearly 48% shooting accuracy, is another prized trade candidate. Currently under a $112 million contract through 2028-29, Murphy combines scoring efficiency with defensive athleticism but has yet to reach his full potential.
The Golden State Warriors have also expressed interest but are reportedly reluctant to part with a package featuring Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and multiple future first-round picks—namely, selections in 2026, 2028, and 2030—required to match New Orleans’ asking price.
Trade Market Outlook as Deadline Nears
Despite the Pelicans setting a high valuation close to the Feb. 5 deadline, shifting priorities could influence negotiations. The Lakers may intensify their pursuit of Jones to address defensive weaknesses, though the possibility of acquiring Murphy remains constrained by the prohibitive cost of four first-round picks and two players. Most teams are unlikely to meet such steep terms, leaving the Pelicans in a strong position to either hold their core pieces or secure significant value if they decide to trade.
