The New Orleans Pelicans haven’t been completely healthy all season. With Dejounte Murray making his 2025-26 debut on Tuesday, they’re getting close though. Starting at point guard alongside Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey, Zion Williamson, and DeAndre Jordan, the 29-year-old tallied 13 points (on 5-11 shooting from the field), three assists and one steal in 25 minutes.
Dejounte Murray Addresses Pelicans Trade Rumors In Viral Tweet
After being sidelined for more than a year with an Achilles injury, Murray’s play against the Golden State Warriors was lauded by teammates and coaches alike. However, it’s the message that he sent after New Orleans’ victory that stole the show.
“I feel great, man, I couldn’t be with a better group. They supported me through this whole rehab process, from checking on me (to) making sure I did what’s best for me to put me in position to be able to come play,” Murray said before walking off the court. “And, you know, that’s all that matters man.”
For a player who had previously voiced frustration with the way the Pels were handling his injury rehab process last season, those words carried a lot of weight. It meant that Pelicans executive vice president Joe Dumars, hired in April 2025, had successfully regained Murray’s confidence. It also suggested that Murray truly wants to be in New Orleans for the long haul, echoing his comments from Monday afternoon.
“As far as New Orleans, I’m here. I love New Orleans. I love the people…,” he said after practice.
“…This city’s passionate. They’re loving, they’re caring, they’ll get behind you if you show that you’re the same. So, you know me, my mindset was to take care of my mind and my body. And also, you know not only do I want to represent (myself and my family) but I want to represent for New Orleans.”
‘Let’s Clear The Air’
On Wednesday, Murray tripled-down on his dedication to the Pelicans franchise.
Responding to a user’s post on X (formerly known as Twitter) stating that he “requested a trade before the deadline this year,” the ninth-year veteran responded:
“LET’S CLEAR THE AIR CAUSE **** A SOURCE… Me Or My Agent Never Requested A Trade Out Of NEW ORLEANS!!!! Joe And The Whole Organization Know I Was Locked In To Come Back Better Than Ever To Help Make This Play In Push And Whatever Comes After That!! It’s Bouts To Get Fun!!”
The rumors about Murray requesting a trade out of New Orleans came from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints and The Athletic’s Will Guillory. Specifically, Siegel wrote that Murray “would like a change of scenery.” In Guillory’s words, “all indications from folks on Murray’s side suggest the 29-year-old would prefer to find a new destination ahead of the trade deadline.”
To be fair, a player can desire a trade without making an official trade request. Just consider Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Furthermore, it’s easy for a player to say they didn’t want to leave if they don’t get moved. Who would know the truth? At the same time, Murray’s particularly candid and it’s unlikely that he’s telling a bald-faced lie.
More likely than not, Siegel and Guillory received bad or incomplete intel that skewed the reality of the situation.
Pelicans To Make A Play-In Push
Perhaps it should go without saying given that they don’t control their 2026 first-round pick, but New Orleans doesn’t have a great reason to tank. That pathway could minimize injury risk and maximize player development. Yet, there isn’t much rationale behind the latter, as the Pelicans’ injuries have allowed rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen to rank top-five among their draft class in total minutes played.
With that being said, Murray followed up his trade request denial with a Play-In Tournament push promise. Though acknowledging N.O. isn’t considered a playoff contender, he does believe they can clinch a play-in berth. To that point, the Pelicans are currently 11.0 games out of 10th-place in the West with 23 games remaining.
Duh!!! Are we a contender? No. Can we reach top 6 spot? No. Can we build some momentum playing together and build winning habits rest of the season? Yes. Can we treat every game like a championship game and win win win? Yes. Can we get in them last spots in the play in??? Duhhhhh https://t.co/NZ9tfYgrwD
— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) February 25, 2026
A lot would have to go right, even for them to climb to 10th-place. That’s how far behind the eight ball they are. However, even if they do fall short of that goal, Murray is right to remind fans that the players can “build some momentum playing together and build winning habits (for the) rest of the season.”
As a reminder, the Pelicans’ problem this season hasn’t been a lack of talent. It’s been a combination of their stars’ lack of availability and their neophyte’s lack of discipline. Over the next few months, they could have more than enough time to change directions. All they need is a little more luck on their side than they’ve had in the past – a very low bar.
© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images