Today, October 21, is the deadline for teams to sign players still on their rookie deals to contract extensions. On Sunday, the Golden State Warriors signed Moses Moody to a new deal. On the flip side, the Los Angeles Clippers and Bones Hyland could not come to terms on a new deal. This will lead to Hyland becoming a restricted free agent next year. For the rest of the day, all eyes will be on key players who have outplayed their rookie contracts. For the New Orleans Pelicans and Trey Murphy, this is no different.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Pelicans and Murphy have agreed on a four-year, $112 million extension.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III has agreed on a four-year, $112 million rookie contract extension with the franchise, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/XgRPSFIhP4
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2024
Murphy has spent his entire soon-to-be four-year NBA career in New Orleans to this point. Initially drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 17th overall pick in 2021, the Pelicans acquired Murphy in a three-team trade. Since then, Murphy has played fantastic for the Pelicans. After a quiet rookie season, Murphy exploded onto the scene during his second season. Jumping from 13.9 minutes per game to 31, the North Carolina native had a fantastic sophomore season. In 2022-23, he averaged 14.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals. This was good enough for Murphy to finish seventh in Most Improved Player voting that season.
New Orleans Pelicans, Trey Murphy Agree to Contract Extension
Trey Murphy’s Role in New Orleans in 2024-25
Murphy has gotten better in each season of his NBA career. Most notably, he has progressed a lot on the defensive side of the ball. The 24-year-old is becoming a legitimate, all-around player in the league and has the potential to become even better. However, it is unclear how much of a role he will play for the Pelicans this season.
Given the recent news of his extension, it is clear the Pelicans plan on keeping Murphy around for the long haul. However, the Pelicans still have Brandon Ingram on the roster. Ingram, who is slated to continue starting for the Pelicans at small forward, was a very popular trade candidate this offseason. While a trade remains on the table, he will head into the 2024-25 season as a big part of the Pelicans’ lineup. With Ingram slotted ahead of him in the depth chart, it will prove difficult for Murphy to assume a large role to begin the season. However, he will likely lead the team’s second unit unless the team makes a lineup change or trade during the year.
The Last Word
Murphy is a great player who is only getting better. Keeping him around is a good idea for the Pelicans. This is especially true considering that trading Ingram still seems like a legitimate option for the team. Nonetheless, despite being slated to play off the bench, Murphy is a candidate for a breakout campaign this season. The Pelicans begin their 2024-25 season on Wednesday at home against the Chicago Bulls.
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