The New Orleans Pelicans have made a decisive move to lock down one of their key young stars, Trey Murphy III, for the long haul. According to reports by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Pelicans signed the sharpshooting wing to a four-year, $112 million extension, securing his talents through 2029. With this deal, Murphy avoids the uncertainty of restricted free agency, making it clear that the Pelicans see him as a vital part of their future.
Murphy, one of the NBA’s rising stars, has already established himself as one of the league’s most efficient three-point shooters. With a career average of 39.2% from deep across his first three seasons, Murphy’s shooting prowess has made him a hot commodity in the league. His willingness to hunt for his own shot and his ability to knock down attempts from well beyond the arc make him much more than just a catch-and-shoot threat. In fact, with continued development, many believe he could even be a future All-Star.
But while the Pelicans’ front office, led by GM Bryson Graham, has smartly secured Murphy’s future, the team’s overall trajectory is far from clear. Despite this major step, uncertainty looms over the roster, particularly when it comes to the future of star forward Brandon Ingram.
Murphy’s Bet on Security: A Smart Move for Both Sides
October 21 marked the deadline for players from the 2021 NBA Draft class to sign their rookie extensions, and the Pelicans didn’t wait to make their intentions clear. By offering Murphy $28 million annually, New Orleans has avoided the potential bidding war that could have unfolded if Murphy had tested the waters of restricted free agency.
For Murphy, the decision makes a lot of sense, too. While he could have risked waiting until the summer of 2025, hoping for a larger payday after another strong season, the reality of potential injuries or a down year is always looming. The Pelicans’ offer gives Murphy long-term financial security and allows him to focus on his game without worrying about contract negotiations.
However, many around the league believe that if Murphy continues to progress at his current pace, he could have commanded an even bigger salary. After all, with his deep shooting and ability to stretch defenses, he is the kind of player every team in the league covets.
Ingram’s Clouded Future: Trade Rumors Heating Up
While the Pelicans may have secured Murphy, questions are swirling around Brandon Ingram, who is entering the final season of his five-year deal. Unlike Murphy, Ingram has yet to engage in any meaningful contract talks with New Orleans, leaving his future with the team in doubt.
Trade rumors have already begun to circulate. The 6-foot-8 forward has averaged over 20 points per game for the last five seasons and has improved his playmaking ability, making him a valuable asset. However, Ingram’s impending unrestricted free agency complicates matters. Any team interested in trading for him would likely need assurances that he’s willing to sign a long-term deal. Without that commitment, teams may hesitate to give up major assets for a player who could walk away next summer.
What’s clear is that the Pelicans face a tough decision. While Ingram is undoubtedly talented, the prospect of losing him for nothing in free agency next year is a risk New Orleans may not want to take. With Murphy locked up, the front office now has a bit of breathing room, but how they handle Ingram’s situation could drastically reshape the team’s future.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for the Pelicans?
As the Pelicans solidify their core around young talents like Murphy, they also face significant questions about the overall direction of the franchise. Will the team look to make a blockbuster move involving Ingram, potentially bringing in pieces that better complement rising stars Zion Williamson and Murphy? Or will they gamble on keeping Ingram through the season, hoping to strike a deal before next summer?
The Pelicans’ offseason has been a mixed bag of locking down future assets while facing growing uncertainty. But one thing is clear: with the right moves, New Orleans has the potential to build a dangerous young team capable of making waves in the Western Conference.
As trade rumors heat up and with Brandon Ingram’s future hanging in the balance, Pelicans fans will have to hold their breath. Is Trey Murphy the new face of the franchise, or will Ingram be the one who carries the torch? Only time will tell.
