Dejounte Murray requests a trade from the Pelicans, and the Suns register interest

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray wants a trade, and his agent Rich Paul and team officials have begun working on a resolution, according to Shams Charania of ESPN on Friday.

The report marks a change from discussion about whether New Orleans might move Murray: the guard himself is now seeking a way out. No trade agreement or destination was announced.

Chris Haynes separately reported that the Phoenix Suns have registered interest in Murray. Interest is not an agreement: neither report described an agreed trade package.

A request, not a completed move

According to ESPN, Murray has made clear that he is ready to play a key role in meaningful basketball elsewhere. Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports, is working with the Pelicans on what comes next.

Murray’s future had already drawn attention after his since-deleted social media responses to criticism of his play. Friday’s report goes beyond that public frustration by describing a trade request and discussions between his representative and the team.

ESPN lists Murray as making $32.8 million this season, with a $30.8 million player option for 2027-28.

His injury listing remains separate

Update, 3:15 p.m. ET Friday: The NBA’s latest injury report lists Murray as out for Friday night’s home game against Memphis with a left ankle sprain, downgraded from doubtful on the 3 p.m. report. The stated injury reason is separate from the trade report. There has been no official announcement that he is being held out because of the request.

New Orleans also lists Trey Murphy III, Yves Missi and Bryce McGowens as out, and Bennedict Mathurin as questionable. The Mathurin designation does not confirm he plays.

The Pelicans’ broader problems were already visible before Friday’s trade report. Our breakdown of their three-game defensive slide covers the recent losses. Murray’s request adds a separate roster decision, but until an agreement is reached he remains a Pelican.