Ramona Shelburne downplays Lakers’ hopes for Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones

ESPN reporter Ramona Shelburne poured cold water on the hookup speculation Los Angeles Lakers yes Trey Murphy III and Herb Jonessuggesting that New Orleans is unlikely to move forward before the trade deadline without a huge return.

Speaking on the latest episode of Mason and Ireland, Shelburne explained that despite the persistent hustle in the league, New Orleans Pelicans are they are not actively seeking trade Murphy or Jones, mainly due to their current roster situation and future draft commitments.

“I don’t think the Pelicans are thinking about trading Herb Jones or Trey Murphy. I don’t think they’re thinking about trading either of those guys, because unless you blow them away with an offer. Because they owe their first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks. And whatever they can do to not be the worst team in the league in the league is much more important than those two, which I’m interested in right now for Z. because look, if you offer them an incredible deal, two first-round picks and a good young player, then you talk.”

Shelburne noted that while Murphy and Jones are often cited as logical trade candidates given their two-way impact and contract value, it is unrealistic to expect New Orleans to send both to Los Angeles under the current terms. According to Shelburne, the Pelicans would only reconsider if the team was willing to part with two first-round picks and a young prospect — a package the Lakers aren’t equipped to offer right now.

The high asking price keeps Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones out of the Lakers’ realistic reach

The Lakers control their first-round picks in 2026, 2028 and 2030, but they lack the type of high-upside young player New Orleans would likely require in a deal that includes Murphy or Jones. As a result, Shelburne framed the Lakers’ interest as more theoretical than feasible.

Her reporting is consistent with recent insight from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, which he detailed New Orleans was still hesitant to make either wing available. Siegel reported that while Murphy and Jones remain among the most discussed names before the deadline, league sources in both conferences are downplaying the likelihood of an actual trade.

According to Siegel, the Pelicans are not actively shopping any players and have kept their asking price high when teams inquire. Executives around the league believe New Orleans, under the guidance of basketball operations under Joe Dumars, has little incentive to compromise its stance. While the Pelicans are open to calls on most of their roster, Murphy and Jones are considered core pieces rather than chattels.

Murphy, Jones’ production underscores the Pelicans’ reluctance to deal

Murphy, 25, continued to build on last season’s breakout season, averaging 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and a career-high 1.7 steals per game while shooting 49.4% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range in 28 games. Jones, 27, continues to lead New Orleans defensively while contributing 9.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game in 22 appearances.

Despite an 8-22 record, The Pelicans found some momentum with a five-game winning streak and will look to continue that surge Tuesday night on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers (16-14).

Meanwhile, the Lakers (19-7) continue to evaluate the trade market, but appear to be limited in their ability to pursue high-end wing upgrades. Los Angeles will face the Phoenix Suns (15-13) on Tuesday at 9:00 PM ET before returning home to host the Houston Rockets (17-9) on Christmas Day at 8:00 PM ET on ABC and ESPN.

For now, Shelburne’s reporting suggests that while Murphy and Jones remain hot names in league talk, the Lakers’ chances of landing them are slim barring a dramatic change in New Orleans’ demands.