New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III is set for a transformative offseason, with both his on-court performance and off-court endeavors marking him as a player on the rise. The 6-foot-10 sharpshooter, who impressed during the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder, is eligible for a lucrative rookie extension following a season of career-high numbers.
Murphy, 25, averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game last season, showing his growth and potential. These stats have not only solidified his role with the Pelicans but have also positioned him among the elite of his draft class, with four of his peers already signing rookie max scale extensions.
Beyond his prowess on the court, Murphy is making waves in the media. This summer, he appeared on the popular podcast “The Old Man & the Three,” where he joined Van Lathan, Ryen Russillo, Miami Heat’s Duncan Robinson, and host Tommy Alter in a special ‘Draft Episode’ focused on the best things about Las Vegas. He also featured on Paul George’s “Podcast P” show, discussing his career trajectory and the impact of his teammate Zion Williamson.
Murphy’s media presence extended throughout the playoffs, where he provided in-depth analysis on various NBA shows. He participated in an alternative broadcast during the Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves and was a regular on NBATV, sharing insights from a player’s perspective. His growing media profile hints at a potential future career in sports broadcasting.
Reflecting on his media aspirations, Murphy told Boardroom in 2023, “Seeing what Draymond (Green) and CJ (McCollum) are doing is showing me something I really want to do. I feel like I can speak well, I’m knowledgeable, and I get to talk about the game I love. I feel like I need to get some more stripes under my belt before I do a podcast, but it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to in the future.”
Despite his busy schedule, Murphy remains focused on his basketball career. He was selected for the U.S. Select Team to scrimmage and prepare the USA Men’s National Team for the 2024 Olympics, indicating his rising status in the league. Many analysts predict that Murphy will elevate his game further in the upcoming season, with some considering him a star in the making.
Bill Simmons, founder of The Ringer, praised Murphy earlier this year, stating, “I’ve decided that Trey Murphy is my favorite non-superstar in either conference…He is one of the most additive guys in the league. What I love is where I think his game eventually will get to.”
The Pelicans are banking on Murphy’s continued development. His exceptional three-point shooting and versatility make him a key asset for the team. If Murphy can ascend to stardom, he could significantly bolster New Orleans’ championship aspirations.
As the 2024 NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Trey Murphy III to see if he can meet the high expectations set for him. Whether it’s on the court leading the Pelicans to new heights or off the court expanding his media footprint, Murphy’s journey is one of the most compelling stories in the league today.
