The New Orleans Pelicans are the latest victim of the injury bug, as they announced that Trey Murphy III was diagnosed with a right hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in three weeks (and likely longer).
According to the team’s official statement, the sweet-shooting forward sustained the injury during practice, and he’ll most likely miss the first few matches of the 2024-25 NBA season.
Trey Murphy III was one of the key players for the New Orleans Pelicans last season, averaging 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 44.3 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent from three-point land in 57 regular season appearances (23 starts).
The 24-year-old swingman is approaching his contract year and is eligible for an extension through October 21. He will earn roughly $5.2 million this upcoming season before becoming a restricted free agent in the summer of 2025.
”Obviously, we’re going to try to do what’s best for me and the Pelicans. I hope we can get something done but at the end of the day, it’s not about money. I want to play basketball,” Murphy said during last season’s exit interviews.
“I’m not going to act like it’s not about the money at all, that would be stupid of me. It’s a chance to have generational wealth and do things for my family that I haven’t been able to. So obviously it means a lot, but I’m not going to be super money-hungry to the point where I think I’m being selfish. Let me say that,” he added.
New Orleans Pelicans depth chart
Not having Trey Murphy III is a big blow for the New Orleans Pelicans because he is one of their best shooters. With Murphy sidelined, Herbert Jones, Jordan Hawkins, and Javonte Green will have added playing time.
Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson are expected to lead the way, while Daniel Theis will likely start at the five.
