The New Orleans Pelicans had a rough season last year as they finished with a 21-61 record, which was the second-worst in the Western Conference.
Of course, most of New Orleans’ struggles came due to almost every player on their roster missing time due to injuries and they will look to bounce back this season.
Advertisement
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
In the offseason, the Pelicans did make some notable additions as they selected Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen in the first round of the 2025 draft and they also acquired Jordan Poole from the Washington Wizards.
New Orleans also had some notable losses this summer as they traded both C.J. McCollum and Kelly Olynyk to the Wizards while Bruce Brown signed with the Denver Nuggets in free agency.
New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson© Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Now as the Pelicans enter the new season, they are looking to make a run at a playoff spot behind their core led by Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III, though they could also elect to make some moves ahead of the trade deadline.
Advertisement
If that is the case, these three players could be potential trade candidates for them.
Trey Murphy III
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Murphy III has blossomed into a star for the Pelicans over the last few seasons and he has also entered trade rumors.
It has been reported that many teams have contacted New Orleans regarding the 25-year-old forward, though the Pelicans have an extremely high asking price for him.
Despite this, a team could be willing to offer a large trade package for Murphy III ahead of the trade deadline to add the solid 3-and-D wing to their roster, which could work out well for the Pelicans during their rebuild.
Advertisement
Jose Alvarado
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (0) drives to the basket while defended by New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15)© Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Jose Alvarado has been a key piece in New Orleans’ backcourt during his four seasons in the NBA, though he has struggled with injuries during that time.
The 27-year-old guard has played in more than 60 games just once during his NBA career, though he is a solid backup point guard.
Because of this, many teams in need of a backup point guard could show interest in Alvarado this season and New Orleans may be willing to move him due to the abundance of guards on their roster.
Advertisement
Elfrid Payton
New Orleans Pelicans guard Elfrid Payton (22)Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Like Alvarado, Elfrid Payton could also be on the move this season due to the Pelicans’ abundance of backcourt depth.
The 31-year-old guard played 18 games for the Pelicans last season after they signed him in free agency and he played well as a key backup guard.
Despite this, New Orleans may shop Payton this season to free up playing time for their young players and he could draw interest from contending teams in need of backcourt help.
Advertisement
While the Pelicans could trade these players, if they have another season like last year, they could look to make some major changes to their roster as they continue their rebuild.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.