Pelicans Star Guard Refutes That he Asked for a Trade

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 26: Dejounte Murray #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives the ball up the court against the Houston Rockets at Smoothie King Center on December 26, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The New Orleans Pelicans are happy to have Dejounte Murray back in the lineup. Murray missed most of this season after tearing his Achilles tendon a year ago. He is finally back in the lineup and recently played his first game of the season.

Without Murray, the Pelicans have been one of the worst teams in the NBA. New Orleans has the second-worst record in the Western Conference. They haven’t been able to put anything together. The Pelicans have the sixth-worst offense in the league.

Murray has worked very hard to return to the team this season. He took to social media to refute a rumor that a fan threw out.

GettyNew Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray celebrates. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Pelicans’ Dejounte Murray Refutes Trade Rumors

After a fan podcast claimed that Murray asked for a trade last year, Murray came firing back with some profanities to dispute the claim.

“LET’S CLEAR THE AIR CAUSE F— A SOURCE… Me Or My Agent Never Requested A Trade Out Of NEW ORLEANS!!!! Joe And The Whole Organization Know I Was Locked In To Come Back Better Than Ever To Help Make This Play In Push And Whatever Comes After That!!  It’s Bouts To Get Fun!!”

Murray wanted to let everyone know that he is locked in with the Pelicans and he doesn’t want to force his way out. While Murray might be a bit delusional to think New Orleans can compete for the play-in, he still wants to compete for the rest of the season.

Murray has two more years left on his deal, so he won’t be a free agent anytime soon. New Orleans will continue to try to make things work with him. He has already been traded twice, as he was traded from San Antonio to Atlanta before being moved to New Orleans.

GettyNew Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray dribbles the ball. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

The Pelicans Need Dejounte Murray to Elevate the Offense

One of the biggest issues with the Pelicans this season has been a lack of ball movement. They have the third-worst assist ratio in the NBA. Not having a true point guard who can make plays for others has been the biggest flaw in their offense.

With Murray back, the offense should look a little better for the rest of the year. Instead of having guys who can only create for themselves, it is good to see the Pelicans have someone who can make the game easier for his teammates, even if it will only be for a month and a half.

While Murray might be locked in with the team for now, it’s hard to see how this team competes next season. They have no choice but to run the same roster back, unless they make some trades. This current roster won’t be able to improve with the benefit of a first-round pick, either.

New Orleans won’t be able to move forward until they find a solution to the Zion Williamson issue.

Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano