Source: The Pelicans are not completely closing the trade gates between Herb Jones and Trey Murphy 3

The Pelicans offered trade offers for Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III, and Joe Dumas was "ridiculous" before the NBA draft.

As new executive vice president Joe Dumas adapts to the new job, the New Orleans Pelicans are still struggling to find the "core". Other executives have not given the new management much time to clarify their ideas. According to league sources, many teams are asking how to poach Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones from the New Orleans Pelicans before the 2025 NBA draft. It seems unlikely that the All-Star return will be possible. The rival executives are allegedly trying to "sell" Dumas to supplement the draft capital previously sacrificed for CJ McCollum, Dejunta Murray and Devent Graham.

While ClutchPoints understands that the deal won’t happen immediately, several competing teams have expressed a strong interest in Trey Murphy III, with potential trading plans focused on multiple first- and second-round draft picks. The Pelicans' asking price for Herb Jones is not that high, but it is reported that it is higher than the rumored first-round pick swaps and substitutes for the Philadelphia 76ers.

When examining future All-Star wingers, more than one source believes Murphy III should receive a top five value contract. The 24-year-old has grown up from a role player with unlimited potential over the past few years, averaging a career-high 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists last season, and has elite-level efficiency (59.8% real shot percentage). In fact, his three-point shooting percentage (36.1%) has dropped, but this can be attributed to persistent injuries, adjustments within the season and adjustments to the rotation.

Due to the substantial depreciation of Zion Williamson's value and the team must enter the playoffs, the Pelicans are fully capable of accepting Murphy III's "absurd" rewards, a source said. A veteran who can make the playoffs and is in good shape, a good rookie and multiple first-round draft picks are the starting point for the Pelicans. One source said that considering the number of inquiry calls, it also shows the true value of Trey Murphy III.

Some competitors believe that Trey Murphy III is a puzzle that the team lacks; while the Rebuilder believes that he is a cornerstone. After Brandon Ingram left, Murphy III's role was improved, showing the true potential of the top 17-pin rookie as a third-level scorer and a core of the second-level organization. With a height of 6 feet 9 inches (about 1.9 meters), fast three-pointers and defense diversity, Murphy III is a typical representative of the modern NBA. Given the pre-NBA draft trading market and the current situation of the team, it is hard to imagine that the Pelicans would lower the high price for the two fans’ favorite players.