Dejounte Murray Requests Trade, Latest NBA Rumors & Top Landing Spots for Pelicans Star

New Orleans Pelicans point guard Dejounte Murray is seeking a change of scenery.

The Pelicans confirmed Friday that Murray has requested a trade, adding that the organization "will evaluate potential trade opportunities that are in the best interest of our organization."

ESPN's Shams Charania first reported that Murray requested a trade from the Pelicans, and his agent, Rich Paul, is working with team officials on a resolution.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the Phoenix Suns "have registered interest" in Murray. Other potential landing spots include the Miami Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks.

ESPN's Bobby Marks explained the salary cap implications of the Pelicans trading Murray:

If the Suns' pursuit of Murray materializes, they could have a young player who would interest the Pelicans. The Athletic's Sam Amick reported earlier on Friday that opposing clubs feel that the Suns are "motivated" to trade shooting guard Jalen Green for a proven point guard. Amick later added that Murray's trade request could reignite trade talks between Phoenix and New Orleans.

NBA insider Marc Stein noted that the Pelicans ruled out Murray for Friday night's NBA Cup game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The writing has been on the wall for Murray's exit from New Orleans for quite some time. He was recently defending himself from fans blaming him for the team's struggles in deleted social media posts:

During an appearance on The Pivot last year, Murray explained that he "never" thought he would play in New Orleans, and he called his recovery from his torn Achilles in 2025 his "worst experience in the NBA."

Murray started the season with averages of 17.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists in four October games, but his numbers have since dropped off a cliff. In his last five games, he's missed the 10-point mark three times, averaging 10.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

Still, Murray can be an effective floor general in the right situation. In addition to the Suns, the Heat and Bucks are searching for answers in their respective backcourts.

Miami would benefit from having another setup man for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, thereby relieving Davion Mitchell of ball-handling duties and relegating veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson from the starting lineup to the sixth-man role. Milwaukee recently benched Ryan Rollins to start rookie Brayden Burries alongside Tyler Herro, but the youngster has struggled to find his footing.

The Pelicans are already prepared to hand the reins to second-year point guard Jeremiah Fears, so there should be mutual interest in moving Murray sooner rather than later.