The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly weighing a major trade proposal that would reshape their roster. A recent report from Bleacher Report suggests a deal sending Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray to the San Antonio Spurs for All-Star point guard De'Aaron Fox, backup center Luke Kornet, and a treasure trove of draft picks. This comes as the team looks to pivot after a tough end to the 2025-26 season, which concluded with a 132-126 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 13, 2026.
What is the proposed trade for the New Orleans Pelicans?
The full trade proposal is a significant one. The San Antonio Spurs would acquire Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray. In return, the New Orleans Pelicans would get De'Aaron Fox, Luke Kornet, four first-round picks (2027 via ATL, 2028 via BOS, 2030, and 2031 via SAC), and three second-round picks (2027, 2028 NOP's own, 2029 NOP's own). Fox is a two-time All-Star, most recently appearing in the 2026 game. His performance in the NBA Finals was affected by injury, but his talent is undeniable.
Getting an All-Star caliber point guard for a player coming off a major injury like Murray and a valuable wing like Murphy would be a big move. Adding four first-round picks makes the potential deal even more attractive for a Pelicans team that finished 30 games under .500 last season. Kornet provides depth as a solid backup big man who can protect the paint.
Why would the Pelicans make this trade?
The Pelicans' recent form highlights their need for a change. Their last five games resulted in a 1W-4L record (LLWLL), and they lost their final two contests of the season. Since trading Anthony Davis, the franchise has only made the playoffs twice and hasn't won a series. Last season, they had the eighth-worst defense in the league.
Adding more consistent talent is a clear priority. Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray have both missed significant games in recent years, hurting the team's playoff chances. Acquiring Fox and a mountain of future assets could signal a full reset. The team has already shown a move toward youth by signing Bennedict Mathurin to a two-year deal. This trade would accelerate that rebuild. You can track the development of their young core on our [squad](/squad) page.
What are the challenges for New Orleans?
So far, the Pelicans have refused trade offers for their key players. Trey Murphy III is one of the most sought-after 3-and-D targets in the NBA. Dejounte Murray played well after recovering from a torn Achilles and has drawn interest. Letting go of two proven contributors is a tough decision for any front office.
The team seems unsure about its identity. They must decide on a direction soon to get real value for their assets. The proposed trade offers a path to a new era, banking on Fox's star power and the flexibility provided by multiple draft picks. However, it means giving up on the current core's potential. The new lottery rules make accumulating draft assets a smart strategy for a team not close to title contention.
Their defensive struggles need addressing, and overall talent infusion is required. This deal would bring in a high-level scorer and playmaker in Fox while stocking the cabinet for future moves. It represents a high-risk, high-reward scenario for a franchise at a crossroads. Fans can follow how this potential roster shake-up affects the team's [standings](/standings) pursuit next season.
