The New Orleans Pelicans are at a crossroads-again. But this time, the path forward doesn’t require a wrecking ball.
While the temptation to tear it all down and rebuild around Trey Murphy III might seem appealing in theory, the reality is far more complex-and far less forgiving. A full-scale reset centered solely on Murphy isn’t just risky; it’s likely a one-way ticket back to the NBA’s dreaded middle ground, where lottery dreams die and playoff hopes fade fast.
Murphy III has blossomed into a high-end 3-and-D wing with legitimate two-way value. He spaces the floor with confidence, plays with length on the defensive end, and is enjoying the best season of his young career.
But history tells us something important: wings like Murphy, even those with All-Star potential, rarely carry teams as the top option. He’s the kind of player who makes a very good team great-not the guy who turns a bad team into a contender.
So, no, this isn’t the moment to blow it all up. The Pelicans aren’t in purgatory-they’re in position.
Despite a few missteps by the previous front office, the roster still boasts talent, flexibility, and a few intriguing young pieces. Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver have the tools to retool, not rebuild.
And given the current trade market, they almost have to.
Let’s talk about Zion Williamson. He’s the biggest swing piece here-literally and figuratively.
When he’s healthy, he’s dominant. But that’s the eternal caveat.
Trading him now wouldn’t bring back a franchise-altering haul; it’d be more about limiting downside than maximizing upside. The same logic applies to Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray, who’ve both struggled with consistency and carry complicated contract situations.
Moving them isn’t about rebuilding-it’s about clearing the runway.
And that’s the key: creating space to build around what’s already working.
Murphy III is thriving. Derik Queen is ahead of schedule.
And Zion, when available, still looks like the force of nature he was projected to be. The Pelicans don’t need to start from scratch-they need to find the right pieces to fit around their core.
That starts with identifying a dynamic lead guard who can take pressure off Zion and Murphy. Whether it’s Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, Cam Thomas, or another high-usage scorer, the idea is the same: get someone who can bend defenses and let Murphy feast on open looks while Zion punishes the paint.
Even if Zion isn’t part of the long-term picture, the blueprint remains intact. Murphy is perfectly suited to be the No. 2 option on a real contender.
His shooting, length, and defensive versatility make him an ideal complement to a ball-dominant guard. In fact, his skill set might fit better next to someone like Morant or LaVine than it does alongside Zion, whose game demands space and touches in the paint.
Still, the most logical next step is to retool around both Zion and Murphy. That means moving on from players who don’t fit the timeline or the system.
Poole and Murray, for all their talent, aren’t helping this team get where it wants to go. Turning them into second-round picks and expiring contracts might not be flashy, but it’s functional.
It opens up minutes for rookies like Queen and Jeremiah Fears, who need developmental reps-not veterans chasing their next deal.
Herb Jones, the defensive heartbeat of this team, isn’t going anywhere. He’s locked into that third wing spot and remains one of the league’s most underrated glue guys.
Saddiq Bey has quietly found a rhythm in James Borrego’s system and could fetch a few second-rounders at the deadline. If not, he’s a solid rotation piece.
What the Pelicans really need is another ball-handling guard and a starting-caliber center. Yves Missi is showing flashes, but he’s still learning the ropes.
The formula isn’t complicated. Add a lead guard.
Keep Murphy in his ideal role. Let Zion be Zion.
Develop Queen. And use the assets on hand-expiring deals, movable salaries, and draft capital-to chase the kind of player who can elevate the ceiling without sacrificing the floor.
Because here’s the truth: a rebuild built around Murphy III alone isn’t going to cut it. He’s a star in the making, but not the kind you build a franchise around from scratch. If the Pelicans went that route, they’d eventually have to move him, too-selling high on a player who deserves to be part of something bigger.
Instead, New Orleans has a chance to thread the needle. They don’t need to tank.
They don’t need to overreact. They just need to be aggressive, smart, and a little bit bold.
The pieces are there. Now it’s about putting them together the right way.