In a significant move that underscores the New Orleans Pelicans’ commitment to building a young and dynamic core, guard Trey Murphy III has agreed to a four-year, $112 million rookie contract extension with the franchise, according to sources from ESPN. The extension highlights the Pelicans’ belief in Murphy’s potential as a key contributor to their future success and secures his place alongside rising stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
Trey Murphy III has quickly established himself as one of the NBA’s most promising young talents since being drafted 17th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. Known for his sharp shooting, athleticism, and defensive versatility, Murphy has become a key player for the Pelicans, contributing on both ends of the floor.
During the 2022-2023 season, Murphy made significant strides, averaging 14.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting an impressive 40.6% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor and play within the Pelicans’ up-tempo offense has made him a crucial piece in head coach Willie Green’s system. In addition to his offensive skill set, Murphy’s defensive presence has also been a major asset. At 6’9″, he has the size, length, and quickness to guard multiple positions, which is vital in today’s switch-heavy NBA.
Murphy’s breakout performances, especially late in the season, showcased his ability to step up in critical moments. His scoring outbursts, combined with his defensive intensity, have earned him recognition as one of the league’s top young two-way players.
The four-year, $112 million contract extension reflects the Pelicans’ long-term vision and confidence in Trey Murphy’s development. Locking him into this deal ensures that New Orleans has one of the league’s most promising young wings under contract through the 2027-2028 season, providing stability and continuity to a roster that has seen its share of injuries and instability in recent years.
For Murphy, the extension represents both a reward for his hard work and a testament to his potential to grow even further. At just 23 years old, Murphy is still scratching the surface of what he can achieve in the NBA, and this deal positions him to continue evolving into a star in New Orleans.
The Pelicans have made a concerted effort to retain their young core, as evidenced by their extensions for key players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. In a league where player movement is frequent, securing foundational pieces like Murphy is a strategic move to ensure the team remains competitive in the years to come.
With Murphy’s extension, the Pelicans are clearly betting on the success of their young core, which includes Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, and CJ McCollum. Williamson, the former No. 1 overall pick, is still viewed as the team’s centerpiece, but his injury history has cast some uncertainty over his long-term availability. Brandon Ingram, an All-Star caliber forward, provides another dynamic scoring option, while Murphy and Herb Jones bring the defensive versatility and perimeter shooting that complement Williamson and Ingram’s inside-out games.
The Pelicans’ front office, led by executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin, has emphasized building a team that can grow together and compete in the Western Conference for years to come. Murphy’s extension solidifies this plan, as the franchise now has several key pieces locked in under long-term deals.
The Western Conference is known for its depth and competitiveness, and the Pelicans are positioning themselves as a team capable of making noise in the postseason. With the extension of Murphy, the Pelicans’ roster boasts the right mix of young talent and veteran leadership to be a consistent playoff contender. If Zion Williamson can stay healthy and the team continues to develop its chemistry, the Pelicans could become a force in the Western Conference.
Looking ahead, Trey Murphy III’s role will continue to expand as he gains more experience and confidence. The Pelicans are expected to use Murphy not only as a three-point specialist but also as a player who can create his own shot and take on more responsibility as a secondary scorer. His defensive versatility also means he can guard the opposing team’s best perimeter players, making him an invaluable asset in high-stakes matchups.
For the Pelicans, the goal now is to maximize their potential and push deeper into the playoffs. With the core of Williamson, Ingram, Murphy, and Jones intact, the team has the pieces necessary to compete at a high level. The challenge will be maintaining health and consistency throughout a grueling NBA season.
In the end, this contract extension solidifies Trey Murphy III’s place as a cornerstone of the Pelicans’ future. The investment of $112 million over four years shows that New Orleans believes in Murphy’s ability to become one of the league’s elite wings, and with continued development, he has the potential to be a major part of the Pelicans’ pursuit of success in the years to come.