Trey Murphy III, a Pelicans forward, recently gave a vague comment regarding his contract extension talks with New Orleans.
Trey Murphy III who was instrumental in the Pelicans’ playoff run this season, is now available to discuss an extension. His current deal runs until 2026, when he will become a restricted free agent.
Murphy’s current rookie contract, signed on selection night, pays the Virginia alum $14.8 million over four years. The tiny forward has the team’s seventh-largest deal and accounts for almost 4% of the salary space, yet he has arguably played an important part for the Pels.
“We are going to try to do what’s best for me and the Pelicans,” Murphy told Pels beat reporter Christian Clark about his contract expiration. “I hope we can accomplish something. It is not about money. I just want to play basketball. Hopefully, we can get something accomplished.”
Murphy averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 57 games this season. He was a sharpshooting forward with explosive talent who contributed significantly to the Pelicans’ playoff run. In a must-win game against the Kings, he had 16 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in 43 minutes.
Murphy proved he earned a bigger contract during the Pelicans’ four-game series against the Thunder, averaging 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while providing New Orleans with a much-needed defensive presence. Murphy performed admirably, despite the fact that the Thunder easily defeated the Pelicans.
What Murphy’s Contract Could Look Like
New Orleans is interested in Murphy. In October, they activated a team option that would keep him at the Smoothie King Center for two years. He is set to receive a salary increase of approximately $5.1 million next season. However, how far will New Orleans go with contract negotiations?
With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram apparently being shopped around the league, insiders believe Murphy’s new contract will pay him between $20 and $25 million per year.
In recent seasons, he has been vital to New Orleans. The Pelicans started to value his shooting ability, since he hits around 40% from three per year. His 6-foot-8 stature and innate quickness allow him to keep a presence in the paint.
His versatility saves New Orleans when Williamson and Ingram can’t get things going. There’s no doubt that Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon will prioritize signing Murphy to a long-term deal.
New Orleans has a few offseason questions to answer. They must determine how to upgrade their core, including whether to trade Ingram, Williamson, or both. Ingram’s contract expires in 2025, and he underwhelmed during the Pelicans’ playoff run, so the All-Star forward is likely to find a new team in the offseason.
They also need to find a way to re-sign Jonas Valanciunas, who was one of the few bright spots in their sad four-game loss to the Thunder. Valanciunas hasn’t talked much about his deal; instead, he’s focused on the playoff series versus the Thunder. However, he will most likely negotiate with the front office following their first-round exit.
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