The New Orleans Pelicans announced on Friday that the organization will attempt to trade guard Dejounte Murray after his representatives at Klutch Sports formally requested a move, according to Yahoo Sports.
The team stated it would evaluate potential trade opportunities that are in the best interest of the franchise.
Murray was ruled out of Friday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies due to a left ankle sprain.
Pelicans head coach Jamahl Mosley noted that the 30-year-old player was not present at the arena.
“He’s not in the building, from what I’ve been told,” Mosley said.
The Pelicans originally acquired Murray in a June 2024 trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
The deal included two first-round picks, Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr. and E.J. Liddell.
At the time, team executives viewed Murray as a playmaker who could assist Zion Williamson, yet his tenure has been plagued by injuries.
Murray broke his hand in the 2024 season opener and suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in January 2025.
Across the last three seasons, he has played just 54 games for New Orleans.
His performance has struggled recently, with the team holding a 1-8 record when he is in the lineup this season.
Tensions surfaced publicly when Murray posted critical comments on social media regarding the team’s internal environment.
He specifically referenced the word sabotage in a post that was later deleted, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
When asked about the trade demand amid a four-game losing streak, Mosley emphasized his focus on team standards.
“How well we play is very important to me, and making sure that we keep up that standard,” the coach stated.
Mosley added that his priority remains getting the team back to a style of basketball that properly represents the organization.
Murray is currently earning $32.8 million this season and holds a player option for next year.