The LA Lakers, the Golden State Warriors and other teams have been linked to the New Orleans Pelicans. Forwards Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III are potential trade targets ahead of the deadline.
Jones’ situation with the Pelicans has been tricky this season. In five games, he has come off the bench in the first four and has played fewer than 20 minutes in that span. The defensive forward is dealing with a reduced role, averaging 6.0 points and 2.4 assists.
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Murphy, meanwhile, has maintained his role, averaging 14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 32.4 minutes per game. But he’s still a top trade target for several teams, according to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel.
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“Multiple teams are monitoring the situation surrounding both Jones and Trey Murphy III. Among those mentioned by sources or seen in an arena are the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies,” Siegel wrote.
The Pelicans are asking for two first-round picks, one of them unprotected, for either player. They argued that Jones will be under contract after signing a three-year, $68 million contract extension in July 2025. His extension will start in the 2027-28 season.
“If Jones is still logging 17 minutes on a team drifting toward the lottery in January, the calculus changes. Sam Presti’s Thunder will still have picks. Luka Doncic’s Lakers will still need both an All-Defense level stopper and a near All-Star level sharpshooter. Stephen Curry will still need help.”
The Lakers Are Linked to Aaron Gordon
The Lakers could take advantage of the Denver Nuggets ahead of the trade deadline. ClutchPoints’ Jedd Pagaduan said the Nuggets could have the answer to LA’s starting lineup issues. There were concerns about who would start games at power forward before the 2026–27 season.
Trading for Aaron Gordon could solve the team’s power forward issues.
“The Nuggets’ core is aging, their depth is poor, and they are currently in second apron hell. Maybe the Lakers could take advantage of this by trading for Aaron Gordon, one of the best role players in the NBA and someone who legitimately shows up in the postseason,” Pagaduan suggested.
“Gordon is a much-more proven option who is also more self-sufficient on offense — giving the Lakers’ offense another dimension. And with Doncic and Reaves doing the bulk of creation, Gordon’s legs shouldn’t be overburdened in LA.”
However, Gordon is a valued member of the Nuggets. It is unclear if Denver is willing to move on from the one-time champion.
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Edited by Reign Amurao
