Ranking the top 5 assets next to Trey Murphy III before the NBA trade deadline

New coach, new office, same old story for Zion Williamson’s New Orleans Pelicans heading to NBA trade deadline. They are long on theoretical talent, short on wins and recalibrating how to value fan favorites Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado. Trey Murphy III sits on top internal hierarchies now, and Joe Dumars reportedly set a ridiculous price for the most sought-after craftsman on the market.

Remove the 25-year-old from the equation, however, and the Pelicans still control several assets that could shape both this deadline and the next phase of the rebuild.

Pelicans root for Herb Jones

unfortunately, Zion Williamson Market it’s not “very loud at the moment; it’s quiet,” but a trade is a possibility, per Sam Amick, echoing previous reports from ClutchPoints. That means Herb Jones ($13.9 million) is the prize for every sale in the Gulf South.

The Alabama alum’s ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends could spark the return of two first-round picks. It may seem steep, but that price has only been going up since this summer. It’s a reasonable price for teams at all stages of team building, which drives the price even higher. Desperate playoff hopefuls like the Memphis Grizzlies, teams caught between a reset, rebuild or another run, are increasing bids.

Sam Presti knows that the Oklahoma City Thunder need more titles, not draft picks that won’t fit on a roster already loaded with talent. Proven effectiveness in high-stakes games elevates Jones above flashier names, offering contenders instant plug-and-play value without the burden of injury concerns or inflated salaries. It is also closed during the 2028-2029 season. If Dumars decides to truly rebuild, moving Jones would mark the beginning of a new era, but it would take a king’s ransom to part him.

Should the Pelicans go for three picks in the first round, even if there is a strong defense? Dumars could fish around until the deadline. There should be no rush to move Jones in January.

Encashment of surplus wages

Saddiq Bey has quietly excelled this season, posting numbers that would seamlessly slot him into any top-six rotation. With a team-adjusted salary of $6.1 million, he represents a low-risk, high-reward option for teams in need of wing depth. The Golden State Warriors, for example, could see Bay as the best backup option given his shooting and defensive upside. Historically, players like Bey have been very useful in facilitating complex deals with three or four teams.

The last player here is not consumable. Grand Theft Alvarado has a forever home in New Orleans, but a departure from the Pelicans is inevitable. Everyone appreciates a fighter who brings energy from the bench. Jose Alvarado ($4.5 million) is also a better ball handler and shooter than Jordan Hawkins ($4.7 million), not to mention the money. Paired with an expiring contract, someone will offer the project player and multiple second-round picks to rent the GTA experience.

It will hurt, but small moves with surplus wages are the best way to rebuild. Helping Dumars make up for the four second-round picks David Griffin sent to terminate Devonte Graham’s contract to reduce the luxury tax is Alvarado’s latest contribution to the Crescent City.

Joe Dumars shares his draft picks

Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver will never hear the end of it regarding the 2026 draft pick, which was awarded to Derrick Quinn. Fortunately, New Orleans has the right to receive a more favorable selection between its 2027 first-round pick and the Milwaukee Bucks. It’s the first significant future first-rounder the Pelicans can trade. His potential to be a top-five pick makes him the crown jewel of any negotiations.

Given the current trajectory of both teams, entering this action carries the potential for a high lottery pick. The Bucks are middling, facing an uncertain future with an aging core, and their fans just waiting for the inevitable departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Pelicans are the Pelicans, as the league sees it.

The fifth-best asset is that untouched 2028 pick. Front offices value clean, unprotected firsts, especially those tied to volatile situations. Unlike the further pick, this 2028 option benefits from being close enough to project the Pelicans with some certainty, but far enough away to account for a roster change. Dumars could tack him onto the salary dump, use him as a centerpiece for a veteran acquisition if the team turns to contend again, or keep him as insurance for a rebuild.

Outside of the top five, patience remains a theme. Williamson’s market is in a holding pattern. Jordan Poole will be more valuable as a contract expiring next season; his play and injuries over the past 18 months can’t justify much value right now for other front offices. Dejounte Murray needs to close this season strong to have value at next year’s deadline. Perhaps by then, Jeremiah Fears will have grown into a full-time starting role.

Still, whether they choose to patiently rebuild or aggressively retool, these five assets give Joe Dumars the flexibility to chart a new course.