NBA Trade Rumors: Real Doubts Emerge on Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy and Herb Jones Deals as No Movement Indicated

Real Doubts Emerge on Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy and Herb Jones Deals as No Movement Indicated. (Photo: IMAGN)
Real Doubts Emerge on Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy and Herb Jones Deals as No Movement Indicated. (Photo: IMAGN)

The New Orleans Pelicans have been rumored to be shopping their best players, including Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones. However, the latest reports suggest that the worst team in the NBA hasn't begun negotiations regarding potential trades.

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According to In The N.O.'s Shamit Dua, the Pelicans haven't had any discussions with any team regarding their star trio. Murphy has been the best player in New Orleans this season, while Williamson and Jones are currently sidelined due to injuries.

Murphy is averaging 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Williamson has been limited to just 10 games this season because of a couple of muscle-related injuries, with the latest one being an adductor strain. Jones hasn't played since Nov. 21 because of a strained right calf.

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Pelicans urged to move on from Zion Williamson

Pelicans urged to move on from Zion Williamson. (Photo: IMAGN)
Pelicans urged to move on from Zion Williamson. (Photo: IMAGN)

The New Orleans Pelicans were pretty pumped after getting Zion Williamson in the 2019 NBA draft. They just traded away Anthony Davis and needed star power to keep the energy in the city up. Williamson was one of the best prospects in recent memory due to his combination of size, skill, agility and speed.

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However, Williamson's tenure with the Pelicans has been subpar, mainly due to injuries. He has missed more than half of his NBA career so far because he just can't seem to stay healthy. He even got into the best shape of his career this past summer, but he has already been plagued by injuries in the first six weeks of the campaign.

Speaking on "Gil's Arena," former NBA player Gilbert Arenas urged the Pelicans to move on from Williamson.

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"We need to go in a different direction. We can't put all of our resources around Zion anymore if he can’t be healthy," Arenas said.
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The Pelicans also don't own their 2026 first-round pick, which will likely be sent to Atlanta as part of the Dejounte Murray trade. Murray hasn't suited up for the Pelicans this season as he recovers from a torn Achilles injury.


Pelicans can build around Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen

If the New Orleans Pelicans plan to move on from Zion Williamson, they already have a couple of building blocks in rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Fears has been very good this season and is among the top-performing rookies already.

Queen, on the other hand, still needs more polishing in his game, but he has shown a lot of potential. The Pelicans could bring in more assets if they can trade Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones.

Pelicans Fan? Check out the latest New Orlean Pelicans depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Juan Paolo David
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