Trey Murphy is the latest player to comment on the NBA’s gambling problems

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III has joined a growing list of NBA players expressing concern over the league’s relationship with gambling, offering harsh criticism following his the team’s 120-116 overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

Murphy, who finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three steals in 37 minutes, addressed the topic during his postgame media availability. His remarks follow a wave of responses from players and coaches as the NBA grapples with a widening gambling investigation involving multiple leaguers.

“I mean… I don’t know how to put it,” Murphy began. “I would just say that I understand that people are basically putting their life savings on this and I don’t think it’s a great idea, especially because you’re betting on another person to do something – just not very smart about it.”

Murphy’s comments reflect a growing unease among punters as the line between fan engagement and betting pressure continues to blur. During the last few weeks, figures such as The Celtics guard Jaylen Brown and Nuggets head coach David Adelman spoke up about the emotional, ethical and logistical challenges that legalized sports betting has brought to the league.

“I understand that people basically put their life savings on this… For people in the NBA… I don’t think that’s right. My mother raised me differently. She’s sitting here today, too, so I have to say that.”

— Trey Murphy on gambling pic.twitter.com/gGMiKmbeFO

— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) October 25, 2025

Murphy distinguished between casual bettors and those in NBA circles who might be tempted to cross the line for financial gain.

“It’s just for casual bettors and now for people in the NBA, I’ll just keep my comments on that,” Murphy said. “I don’t think it’s the best thing to do, especially because you risk so much just to grow up as a kid. So, I don’t think it’s right. My mother raised me differently…she’s sitting here today too, so I definitely have to say that, but yeah, that’s all I’m saying.”

Pelicans’ Trey Murphy joins growing player concerns amid NBA gambling probe

Murphy’s comments came just days after federal authorities confirmed the arrest of several NBA-related figures, including Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, former assistant Damon Jones and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. All three are involved in an ongoing investigation into illegal sports betting operations and insider trading.

Rozier was arrested in Orlando and faces potential charges related to questionable betting activity related to the 2023 Hornets-Pelicans game – a game in which he exited early with a foot injury. That same investigation previously resulted Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban.

Billups was taken into custody in Oregon and is reportedly under investigation for ties to an illegal poker operation linked to organized crime. Jones, a longtime NBA assistant and former player, was also arrested and allegedly shared insider information with gambling entities, with reports specifically citing his past closeness to Lakers star LeBron James.

Murphy did not name any of the individuals involved, but emphasized the wider danger of normalizing gambling around a sport that depends on trust and competitive integrity.

The Pelicans are now 0-2 and will look to secure their first win of the season on Monday night when they host the Boston Celtics (also 0-2) at 8:00 PM ET. As on-field battles continue, scrutiny of off-field gambling remains at the center of the league’s early season narrative.