The NBA trade deadline is looming, and the New Orleans Pelicans are at a crossroads. With a talented but often inconsistent roster, the front office has some big decisions to make-and fast.
Rumors are swirling that Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones are all being floated in trade discussions. That’s no small trio.
Each player represents a different layer of the Pelicans’ identity: potential, spacing, and defensive grit.
So far, though, New Orleans has held its cards close to the chest. Whether they’re waiting to see how the rest of the league shakes out or simply weighing the market, the Pelicans are on the clock.
And while every team dreams of landing a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo, that’s not the kind of move we’re talking about here. The Pelicans don’t need a fantasy scenario-they need a real, strategic shake-up.
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: Zion Williamson. There’s no easy way to say it-his time in New Orleans hasn’t lived up to the hype.
Since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2019, Zion has shown flashes of dominance, but those moments have been overshadowed by injuries and uncertainty. The Pelicans have built around his potential for years, and the return has been more frustration than fulfillment.
At some point, potential has to turn into production-and for Zion in New Orleans, that hasn’t happened.
That’s why a bold trade proposal involving the Memphis Grizzlies makes sense. Picture this: Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray to Memphis in exchange for Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. It’s a blockbuster, no doubt-a swap of franchise cornerstones who may both benefit from a fresh start.
Morant, like Zion, entered the league in 2019 and has had his share of ups and downs. Electrifying on the court, Morant’s off-court issues and recent elbow injury have clouded his trajectory.
Still, there’s no denying his impact when he’s locked in. He’s a culture-changer, a player who brings energy, swagger, and a relentless pace.
That kind of floor general could be exactly what the Pelicans need to unlock their offense and elevate the supporting cast.
And then there’s Jaren Jackson Jr.-a defensive anchor who fits seamlessly next to someone like Derik Queen in the frontcourt. Jackson offers rim protection, switchability, and enough shooting to stretch defenses. He’s not just a complementary piece; he’s a legitimate two-way contributor who can help shape the Pelicans’ identity on both ends.
Of course, the Pelicans would be taking on some risk with Morant. His recent injuries and off-court concerns are real.
But pairing him with Jackson, a steady and consistent presence, gives New Orleans a more balanced return. If Morant can get back to full health and stay focused, this deal could reset the franchise’s trajectory.
A starting five of Queen, Jackson, Murphy, Jones, and Morant? That’s a lineup with versatility, defensive length, and offensive upside. Add Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey to the second unit, and suddenly the Pelicans look like a team with real depth and a defined direction.
Moving Dejounte Murray in the deal also opens up minutes and development opportunities for young guards like Jeremiah Fears, Bryce McGowens, and Jordan Hawkins. Murray, who’s only played 31 games for New Orleans due to an Achilles injury, hasn’t had the chance to make a lasting impact. This trade gives him a chance to reboot, too.
As for Williamson, a move to Memphis could be just what he needs. A new environment, a new medical staff, and a new system might be the key to unlocking the version of Zion everyone expected coming out of Duke.
When healthy, he’s a wrecking ball in the paint-a throwback interior force with modern efficiency. The Grizzlies haven’t had a player like that since the days of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol.
Jackson was a solid defensive piece, but Zion brings a different kind of gravity on offense.
And let’s not overlook Murray’s value to Memphis. He may seem like a secondary piece in this trade, but he’s a former All-Star with a well-rounded game.
He defends, facilitates, and can score in bunches. If healthy, he gives the Grizzlies backcourt another dimension.
This isn’t just a splashy trade idea-it’s a potential reset button for two franchises stuck in limbo. For New Orleans, it’s a chance to move on from a player they’ve waited too long for.
For Memphis, it’s an opportunity to retool around a different kind of star. And for fans of both teams, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the boldest moves are the ones that finally bring clarity.