New Orleans Pelicans rising star Trey Murphy III was the one player who made sense for the Portland Trail Blazers to aggressively pursue as a trade target leading up to the Feb. 5 deadline. His two-way impact, shooting, and age (25) fit perfectly with Portland's young core. Unfortunately, that no longer appears to be an option.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reports that the Pelicans have informed teams that their entire core of Murphy, Herb Jones, Zion Williamson, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears will stay in New Orleans past the deadline.
This is a somewhat surprising update. Queen and Fears have both had promising rookie campaigns and were considered the untouchables heading into trade season. But previously, the Pelicans were open to listening to offers for Murphy, Jones, and Williamson.
Granted, they maintained a steep asking price for Murphy and Jones. But with Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints previously reporting that two unprotected first-round picks were the starting point in negotiations for either wing, it appeared the Blazers at least had a puncher's chance of landing their dream target.
Blazers' dream trade target is off the table
We can't blame New Orleans for wanting to see things through, as there's a reason teams around the league were excited about the possibility of landing these pieces. The NBA market values these two-way wings now more than ever, and the Pelicans have two solid foundational pieces. When paired with Fears and Queen, it gives them a promising young core and bright future (despite the questionable draft-day trade to land Queen).
The one player we don't understand the Pelicans taking a firm stance on is Williamson. Perhaps there isn't a great market for such a talented yet injury-prone player, but you'd think they'd at least be open to exploring options in the coming weeks rather than shutting trade talks down entirely.
Regardless, Murphy was the player the Blazers had previously expressed interest in.
They had their sights set on the right Pelicans player, as Murphy would've been the perfect co-star for Deni Avdija in Portland. Now, they'll have to work with the other 28 remaining teams to upgrade their roster.
With the level Avdija is playing at this season, it makes sense for the Blazers to become buyers at the deadline. But they also are in a prime position as a rebuilding team that can afford to be patient if the right fit isn't available. Portland would be better off making a smaller move to add a role player who can space the floor than trying to add a star who doesn't fit their roster, like Ja Morant.
With how many injuries the Blazers have endured this season, it wouldn't be surprising if they want to wait to evaluate their roster at full strength before making such a franchise-altering move. Murphy was the one exception, but New Orleans taking its core pieces off the market should change Portland's approach.