Trey Murphy III: Injury| Contract| Stats| Height| Position| Trade

Introduction

Trey Murphy III has rapidly emerged as a key contributor for the New Orleans Pelicans. With a smooth three-point shot, versatile wing defense, and increasing offensive output, he’s become one of the NBA’s most promising young forwards. But like many rising stars, Murphy’s journey has had its share of challenges — from injuries to contract negotiations and trade history. In this article, we’ll break down his injury history, contract, career stats, physical profile, position, and trade background to give a comprehensive view of Trey Murphy III’s trajectory.

Early Life and Background

Kenneth “Trey” Murphy III was born on June 18, 2000, in Durham, North Carolina. He played high school basketball at Cary Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he attracted attention for his scoring ability and size.

He started his college career at Rice University, and later transferred to the University of Virginia, playing under coach Tony Bennett. His college years helped him refine his shooting, decision-making, and defensive skills, making him a desirable prospect for the NBA.

Height, Position & Physical Profile

• Height: According to RealGM, Murphy is 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) tall.

• Weight: Around 206 lbs (93 kg) per his RealGM profile.

• Position: He primarily plays as a small forward or power forward, depending on lineups.

His size, along with a long wingspan (reported by scouts and draft analysts), gives him flexibility — he can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor on offense. In his scouting reports, he’s praised as a “3-and-D” wing with good mobility for his length.

Draft & Trade History

• Draft: Murphy was selected 17th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies.

• Trade: Immediately after the draft, his rights were traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a three-team deal.

• Current Team: New Orleans Pelicans. He has played his entire NBA career with them since that trade.

That trade allowed him to land in a situation where he could develop in a growing roster, and the Pelicans clearly saw him as part of their future core.

Contract Details

Murphy’s contract situation has evolved significantly since he joined the league:

1. Rookie Contract

   • He signed his rookie-scale contract with the Pelicans on August 10, 2021.

   • As per SportsKeeda, his rookie deal was roughly US$ 14.7 million, with team options.

   • The Pelicans exercised their options, making his rookie contract fully guaranteed, according to his contract breakdown.

2. Extension

   • In October 2024, Murphy signed a 4-year, $112 million contract extension with New Orleans.

   • This extension underlines how much the Pelicans value him — they’re betting on his continued growth and role as a foundational piece.

   • According to Sports.ws, his future salaries (post-extension) are projected to be: ~ $25M (2025–26), $27M (2026–27), $29M (2027–28), and $31M (2028–29).

Performance & Career Stats

Murphy’s career statistics reflect his growth year over year.

1. Per Season Trends

   • In his rookie season (2021–22), he averaged 5.4 points in around 13.9 minutes per game.

   • In the 2022–23 season, his role increased significantly — averaging 14.5 PPG, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.

   • In 2023–24, he averaged 14.8 PPG, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, showing steady improvement.

   • In the 2024–25 season (before his injury), he posted a career-high 21.2 points, along with 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

2. Shooting and Efficiency

   • He’s known as a reliable three-point shooter. Reports indicate he has shot around 39.2% from three in earlier seasons.

   • In 2024–25, his overall field-goal percentage was ~45.4%, showing improved efficiency.

   • His free-throw percentage has also been strong, making him dependable in scoring situations.

3. Advanced Metrics & Role

   • Murphy’s game is not just limited to scoring — his length, defensive instincts, and athleticism make him a versatile wing.

   • He’s increasingly being used in significant role minutes, and his stats suggest he’s becoming a go-to option on offense, especially when the Pelicans need shooting, spacing, or secondary creation.

Injury History

Injuries have become a notable part of Murphy’s story — especially recently.

1. Hamstring Strain (2024)

   • During the Pelicans’ 2024 training camp, Murphy suffered a right hamstring strain.

   • According to the MRI report, the Pelicans projected he’d miss at least three weeks.

   • This injury delayed his start to the 2024–25 regular season.

2. Season-Ending Shoulder Injury (2025)

   • On March 17, 2025, Murphy suffered a right shoulder injury during a game against the Detroit Pistons, in a collision after diving for a loose ball.

   • An MRI later confirmed a torn labrum and a partial tear of the rotator cuff.

   • The Pelicans announced that he would miss the rest of the 2024–25 season.

   • According to reports, he underwent surgery in late March 2025 and has been optimistic about his recovery, doing skill workouts with no restrictions.

These injuries are significant but not necessarily career-defining. The Pelicans’ commitment via a large contract extension suggests they believe in his long-term health and value.

Strengths & Playing Style

Understanding what makes Trey Murphy III special helps explain why the Pelicans invested in him so heavily.

1. Shooting

   • Murphy is a natural 3-point shooter. His catch-and-shoot ability, deep range, and quick release make him a threat from beyond the arc.

   • He’s also efficient in mid-range and off movement, which makes him more than just a “spot shooter.”

2. Versatility

   • With his size (6’8″) and mobility, he can play both as a wing (small forward) and as a stretch four (power forward) in small-ball lineups.

   • Defensively, his length helps him guard multiple positions, and he’s shown solid ability to switch and contest.

3. Athleticism & Finishing

   • Scouts have praised his leaping ability, allowing him to finish at the rim, dunk, or exploit mismatches.

   • He also has good court awareness: as a cutter, he makes smart decisions, often moving without the ball to get open or roll intelligently.

4. Work Ethic & Growth

   • Throughout his NBA career, Murphy has steadily improved. His scoring, decision-making, and usage have grown year after year.

   • His contract extension is also a sign that the Pelicans see him as a foundational piece, not just a role player.

Challenges & Risks

Even with his upside, Murphy faces some challenges:

1. Injury Risk: The shoulder injury (torn labrum and rotator cuff) is serious. Recovery and long-term stability will be crucial.

2. Consistency: While he has had breakout games, maintaining a high-level scoring average consistently (especially under pressure) will be important.

3. Team Dynamics: The Pelicans’ roster includes other high-usage players. Murphy’s role may depend on how the team balances star minutes, shot distribution, and future trades.

4. Contract Pressure: The $112 million extension is a big bet. He will need to justify it with continued performance, health, and growth.

Future Outlook & Trade Potential

• Pelicans’ Core: With the big extension, it’s clear New Orleans views Murphy as likely part of their long-term core. His two-way ability makes him an asset in both modern small-ball lineups and traditional sets.

• Return from Injury: Assuming successful surgery and rehab, he could come back as a more mature, powerful player. His offseason updates have been encouraging, with reports of no contact restrictions and skill workouts.

• Trade Speculation: There have been trade rumors around Murphy, fueled by his rising value. Some teams may view him as an attractive “3-and-D” wing or even as part of a bigger trade package.

• All-Star Potential: If he continues to progress, he could push for star-level recognition. His scoring, efficiency, and versatility give him a high ceiling.

Comparisons & Role in the League

Compared to other wings, Murphy stands out because:

• He blends shooting and mobility in a relatively big frame.

• Unlike many purely scoring wings, he contributes defensively.

• He’s not just a shooter — his finishing and playmaking are improving.

His style resembles that of modern “3-and-D” forwards, but with more emerging offensive responsibility.

Trey Murphy III’s Impact on Pelicans

• Murphy’s breakout season (before injury) showed he can shoulder significant offense.

• His presence helps the Pelicans with floor spacing: his threat from deep forces defenses to react, opening lanes for others.

• Defensively, his length and switchability add value in a league increasingly predicated on positional flexibility.

• As a young core member under a long-term contract, he gives the Pelicans a reliable building block.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What injury did Trey Murphy III suffer in 2025?
A: He tore the labrum in his right shoulder and sustained a partial rotator cuff tear after dislocating his shoulder during a game vs. the Detroit Pistons.

Q2: How tall is Trey Murphy III and what position does he play?
A: Murphy is 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) tall. He plays as a small forward and sometimes as a power forward.

Q3: What is Trey Murphy III’s contract with the Pelicans?
A: He signed a 4-year, $112 million contract extension with the Pelicans in October 2024.

Q4: What are Trey Murphy III’s career-high stats?
A: In the 2024–25 season (before his injury), he averaged 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists — all career highs.

Q5: Was Trey Murphy III traded?
A: Yes — he was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 17th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, but his rights were immediately traded to the New Orleans Pelicans via a three-team deal.

Q6: What is his recovery outlook from the shoulder injury?
A: After surgery in March 2025, Murphy shared that he’s doing skill workouts without restrictions and is aiming for a full return next season.

Conclusion

Trey Murphy III’s journey in the NBA so far illustrates the path of a modern, versatile wing. With his height, skillset, and potential, he’s become a cornerstone for the Pelicans. While injuries have posed serious hurdles, the organization’s commitment via a massive contract extension shows they believe in his upside. If he recovers fully and continues to grow, Murphy could be on track to become one of the league’s standout two-way forwards.