As the Pelicans are mired in their second four-game losing streak of the young season, one of their big-name players has asked out.
Point guard Dejounte Murray informed the team this week of his desire to be traded, the team confirmed in a press release.
"We will evaluate potential trade opportunities that are in the best interest of our organization," the release said.
Murray's displeasure has not been difficult to spot as the team scuffled of late, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Pelicans have averaged 140.6 points allowed in losses to the Warriors, Clippers and Nets. Murray fired off multiple social media posts that have since been deleted, one appearing to allege "sabotage" by the organization and another challenging criticism of his performance with an apparent slight to teammates.
Murray has appeared in nine games this season, including all eight losses. The Pelicans were victories in all three of the games he did not participate in.
Pelicans star Zion Williamson had harsh words for his team's performance after the loss to the Nets earlier this week, urging teammates to "look in the mirror" and assess whether they are all putting in the work required to play at a high level night in and night out.
"It's unacceptable, especially on home court," Williamson said. "The fans don't deserve this. The city don't deserve this and, you know, it's up to us to be better for them, be better for the city, franchise as a whole."
Murray, 30, began his career with the Spurs in the 2016-'17 season, developing a reputation as a defensive stopper before being traded to the Hawks in 2022. The Pelicans swung.a blockbuster deal for Murray in the 2024-'25 season and early returns were positive before a season-ending Achilles tear. He returned late in the 2025-'26 season and appeared in 14 games, though the team finished 21-61 and fired head coach Willie Green after a rough start to his fourth season in that role.
Murray has averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 assists and more than two turnovers per game in nine games this season under new head coach Jamahl Mosley, who has made it clear he desires to lead a defense-first team.
The Pelicans will be back on the court Friday with another home matchup with the Grizzlies, the last team they beat for the final of four consecutive wins earlier this season. Murray has been ruled out for the game with what the team has described as an ankle injury.
