In the dynamic world of professional basketball, where talent constantly emerges and narratives shift, Trey Murphy III has steadily carved out a significant role for himself with the New Orleans Pelicans. Known for his sharpshooting, versatile defense, and increasingly well-rounded offensive game, Murphy has become a crucial piece of the Pelicans’ young core. This article delves into his journey, recent performances, and what the future holds for this promising NBA talent.
From College Standout to NBA Draft Pick: The Early Years
Kenneth “Trey” Murphy III was born on June 18, 2000, in Durham, North Carolina. His basketball journey began at Cary Academy in Cary, North Carolina, where he showcased his potential early on. As a senior, he averaged an impressive 24.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, shooting 49.4% from the field.
His collegiate career started at Rice University, where he spent two seasons. As a freshman, he immediately displayed his shooting prowess, ranking fourth in Conference USA in three-point field goal percentage (42.1%). He averaged 8.4 points and 2.6 rebounds, coming off the bench in most games. His sophomore year saw an increased role, with Murphy averaging 13.7 points and 5.5 rebounds.
Seeking a new challenge and a higher level of competition, Murphy transferred to the University of Virginia for his junior season. Under the tutelage of renowned coach Tony Bennett, Murphy thrived, exhibiting remarkable efficiency. He posted a highly efficient 50-40-90 season (50.3% from the field, 43.3% from three-point range, and 92.7% from the free-throw line), averaging 11.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. This standout season at Virginia solidified his status as a legitimate NBA prospect.
In the 2021 NBA Draft, Trey Murphy III was selected 17th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, but his rights were immediately traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. This move marked the beginning of his professional journey in the Crescent City.
NBA Progression: A Rising “3-and-D” Threat
Murphy’s rookie season (2021-22) with the Pelicans saw him primarily coming off the bench, adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NBA game. He averaged 5.4 points in 13.9 minutes per game across 62 appearances. However, it was his sophomore season (2022-23) where he truly began to blossom.
Given an expanded role, Murphy started 65 of 79 games, demonstrating his versatility and becoming a vital “3-and-D” (three-point shooting and defense) wing. He averaged 14.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, while maintaining an excellent 40.6% from beyond the arc. His consistent shooting and ability to guard multiple positions made him an indispensable asset for the Pelicans. This breakout performance even garnered him votes for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.
The 2023-24 season was initially marred by injuries, with Murphy missing the first 19 games due to a knee injury. Despite the setback, he showed remarkable resilience, averaging 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 57 games, including 23 starts. He continued to be a potent threat from deep, hitting 3.0 three-pointers per game at 38.0%.
The 2024-25 Season: A Breakout Campaign Cut Short
The 2024-25 NBA season was poised to be Trey Murphy III’s most impactful yet. He entered the season with high expectations, having worked diligently on expanding his offensive game beyond just catch-and-shoot opportunities. And he delivered.
Murphy’s emergence as a consistent and efficient 20-point scorer was one of the biggest bright spots for the Pelicans. In 53 games (51 starts), he averaged career-highs across the board: 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals. His shooting remained impressive, with a 45.4% field goal percentage and 36.1% from three-point range on 8.3 attempts per game. He also boasted an excellent 88.7% from the free-throw line.
Highlights of his season included a remarkable three-game stretch in January and February where he poured in 32, 40, and 41 points against Dallas, Boston, and Denver, respectively. His 40-point outing against the Boston Celtics on January 31, 2025, where he shot 15-of-20 from the field and 8-of-12 from deep, showcased his immense scoring potential. His ability to create his own shot and attack the rim with greater aggression was a testament to his offseason dedication. Will Guillory of The Athletic, in a Pelicans Podcast recap of Murphy’s 2024-25 season, highlighted his growth as a shot creator and his impact on both ends of the floor, even suggesting an All-Star nod could be on the horizon.
However, his stellar season unfortunately came to an abrupt end on March 17, 2025, when he suffered a dislocated right shoulder during a game against the Detroit Pistons. Further examination revealed a torn labrum and a partial tear of his rotator cuff, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. This was a significant blow to both Murphy and the Pelicans, especially considering the team’s struggles with injuries throughout the season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Trey Murphy III’s playing style is defined by a blend of skills that are highly valued in the modern NBA.
Elite Shooting: This is undoubtedly his premier skill. He possesses a smooth, high release and can knock down shots from anywhere on the court, particularly from beyond the arc. His ability to hit contested shots and make difficult threes makes him a constant threat. He excels in catch-and-shoot situations, but has also shown significant improvement in shooting off the dribble.
Size and Length: Standing at 6’8″ with a reported 7-foot wingspan, Murphy has ideal size for a wing player. This length allows him to shoot over defenders, contest shots on defense, and finish around the rim.
Defensive Versatility: He’s an increasingly capable and versatile defender. His length, athleticism, and willingness to compete allow him to guard multiple positions, from shooting guards to power forwards. He has shown improvements in staying in front of quick guards and battling bigger forwards in the post.
Off-ball Movement: Murphy is excellent at moving without the ball, finding open spaces, and creating scoring opportunities through cuts and relocations. This makes him a perfect complement to ball-dominant players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
Improving Offensive Creation: While initially seen primarily as a “3-and-D” player, Murphy has dedicated himself to expanding his offensive repertoire. His improved ball-handling and ability to attack closeouts and finish at the rim have made him a more dynamic scorer. This adds a crucial dimension to the Pelicans’ offense.
High Efficiency: Murphy consistently puts up efficient scoring numbers, a testament to his shot selection and smooth mechanics. He doesn’t force shots and plays within the flow of the offense.
Contract Details and Financial Outlook
Trey Murphy III’s financial future with the New Orleans Pelicans is secure. He initially signed a rookie-scale contract after being drafted, which ran through the 2024-25 season.
However, recognizing his immense potential and rapid development, the Pelicans signed him to a four-year, $112 million contract extension in October 2024. This extension will keep him in New Orleans through the 2028-2029 season. This long-term commitment reflects the organization’s belief in him as a foundational piece of their future. His annual salary will steadily increase throughout the extension, starting at $25 million in the 2025-26 season and reaching $31 million in the final year.
As of the current information, his career earnings thus far (including his rookie contract years) are around $14.8 million. His new contract will significantly boost his overall career earnings, reflecting his status as a key player.
Injury Concerns and Return Timeline
The shoulder injury sustained in March 2025, a torn labrum and partial rotator cuff tear, was a disappointing end to what was shaping up to be a phenomenal season for Murphy. Such injuries require significant rehabilitation and patience.
While exact return timelines for shoulder injuries can vary, the Pelicans announced he would miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season. Updates on his recovery will be provided as appropriate. It is anticipated that he will aim to return to the court weeks before fall training camp for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The organization will undoubtedly take a cautious approach to ensure his full recovery and long-term health, especially given his importance to the team’s future.
Offseason Training and Future Development
Even before his latest injury, Murphy had been a proponent of continuous improvement during the offseason. He notably focused on enhancing his ball-handling skills and developing more off-the-dribble moves. This commitment to expanding his game beyond just shooting has been evident in his increased assist numbers and ability to create for himself.
Moving forward, his offseason will primarily be dedicated to rehabilitating his shoulder injury. Once cleared for full basketball activities, he will likely continue to refine his ball-handling, decision-making, and defensive technique. As he stated after a previous injury, he aims to be prepared for the majority of the season, putting setbacks into perspective and focusing on the path ahead. The Pelicans envision him as a co-star alongside Zion Williamson, and his continued development in creating his own shots will be crucial to alleviate offensive pressure on Williamson.
FAQs
Who is Trey Murphy III?
Trey Murphy III is a professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. Standing at 6’8″ and weighing 206 lbs, he plays primarily as a shooting guard and small forward. Born on June 18, 2000, in Durham, North Carolina, Murphy played college basketball at Rice University and the University of Virginia before being selected 17th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. He was subsequently traded to the Pelicans, where he has played since.
What were Trey Murphy III’s stats for the 2024–25 NBA season?
Before his season was cut short due to injury, Murphy was having a breakout year, averaging:
Points per game: 21.2
Rebounds per game: 5.1
Assists per game: 3.5
Field Goal Percentage: 45.4%
Three-Pointers Made per Game: 3.0
Steals per game: 1.1
Blocks per game: 0.8
These were all career highs for Murphy, highlighting his significant development as a key player for the Pelicans.
What injury did Trey Murphy III sustain in the 2024–25 season?
On March 17, 2025, during a game against the Detroit Pistons, Murphy suffered a torn labrum and a partial rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder. The injury occurred less than a minute into the game when he collided with Detroit’s Ausar Thompson while diving for a loose ball. An MRI confirmed the severity of the injury, leading to Murphy being ruled out for the remainder of the season.
What is Trey Murphy III’s contract status with the Pelicans?
In October 2024, Murphy signed a four-year, $112 million contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans. This extension reflects the team’s confidence in his abilities and his importance to their future plans.
What are some of Trey Murphy III’s career highlights?
College Career: Murphy began his college basketball journey at Rice University, where he led the team in scoring during his sophomore year. He then transferred to the University of Virginia, averaging 11.3 points per game and earning All-ACC Academic Team honors.
NBA Debut: Murphy made his NBA debut on October 20, 2021, scoring six points and recording two assists.
Slam Dunk Contest: In February 2023, he participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Career-High Performance: On February 3, 2025, Murphy scored a career-high 41 points in a game against the Denver Nuggets.
To conclude
Trey Murphy III has rapidly ascended as one of the NBA’s promising talents, showcasing significant growth and versatility in his game. His 2024–25 season was particularly noteworthy, as he achieved career highs across multiple statistical categories, underscoring his development into a key player for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Murphy’s journey from college basketball at Rice University and the University of Virginia to becoming a vital component of the Pelicans’ roster exemplifies his dedication and hard work. His ability to adapt and excel at the professional level speaks volumes about his potential and commitment to the sport.
The unfortunate shoulder injury that ended his 2024–25 season prematurely was a significant setback, not only for Murphy but also for the Pelicans, who relied on his contributions on both ends of the court. However, the successful surgery and his determination suggest a strong comeback in the upcoming season.
With a new four-year contract in place, the Pelicans have demonstrated their belief in Murphy’s abilities and his role in the team’s future success. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will continue to evolve and impact the game upon his return.
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