The Lakers may be doing their due diligence ahead of the trade deadline, but if you're hoping to see Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones in purple and gold anytime soon, don’t hold your breath.
According to veteran NBA insider Ramona Shelburne, the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t exactly picking up the phone with plans to deal either of their versatile forwards. Despite persistent buzz around the league - and the Lakers being linked to both Murphy and Jones - Shelburne made it clear: unless a team absolutely blows the Pelicans away with a monster offer, those two aren’t going anywhere.
And there’s good reason for that. New Orleans owes its first-round pick to Atlanta, which means tanking isn’t an option.
Every win matters, and both Murphy and Jones are major contributors on both ends of the floor. In short, the Pelicans are trying to stay competitive - not tear things down.
“If you offer them an incredible deal - two first-round picks and a good young player - then you're talking,” Shelburne said on Mason & Ireland. “But I don’t think they’re thinking about trading Herb Jones or Trey Murphy. Not unless it’s something that completely changes the picture for them.”
That kind of offer? The Lakers just don’t have it right now.
Los Angeles controls its own first-round picks in 2026, 2028, and 2030, but they’re short on the kind of young, high-upside talent New Orleans would likely require in any serious deal. And with both Murphy and Jones still on affordable contracts - and playing key roles - the Pelicans are in no rush to move them just to make a deal.
Around the league, execs are hearing the same thing: New Orleans isn’t actively shopping either player. Under the leadership of Joe Dumars in basketball operations, the front office is keeping a high asking price and standing firm. While they’re open to listening on most of the roster, Murphy and Jones are viewed as core pieces - not trade bait.
And the numbers back that up.
Murphy, 25, is coming off a breakout year and hasn’t slowed down. Through 28 games, he’s averaging 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and a career-best 1.7 steals per game. He’s shooting 49.4% from the field and 36.5% from deep - production that’s hard to find, especially from a player with his size and defensive versatility.
Jones, 27, continues to be the Pelicans’ defensive heartbeat. He’s contributing 9.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game in 22 appearances, and his impact often goes beyond the box score. Whether it’s locking down perimeter scorers or making the right rotation, Jones is the kind of glue guy that playoff teams covet - and rarely give up.
Despite a tough 8-22 start to the season, the Pelicans are showing signs of life. They’ve rattled off five straight wins and are looking to keep the momentum going Tuesday night against the Cavaliers in Cleveland.
For New Orleans, it’s not just about this season - it’s about building a sustainable core. And right now, Murphy and Jones are central to that vision.
As for the Lakers, they’re still in the market for wing help, but their options are limited. With a 19-7 record, they’re in the thick of the Western Conference race, but if they want to make a splash before the deadline, they’ll need to get creative. They’ll face the Suns on Tuesday night before hosting the Rockets on Christmas Day - a marquee matchup on ABC and ESPN.
Bottom line: Murphy and Jones might be popular names in trade rumors, but unless something big changes in New Orleans, they’re staying put. The Lakers can look, but unless they’re ready to pay a premium - and then some - this is one door that’s likely staying closed.