Trey Murphy III was on fire since returning to the starting lineup, scoring over 20 points in 4 out of 5 games. After returning from the injury, the fourth-year forward has been putting up impressive numbers. He’s averaging 23.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.2 three-pointers per game. On top of that, he’s adding 2.4 assists, 1 block, and 0.8 steals while shooting 50.0 percent from the field.

However, his strong run hit a snag during Sunday’s game against the Nuggets when he injured his left ankle. Late in the third quarter, disaster struck. He rolled his ankle while going for a rebound and had to limp to the locker room. Murphy was competing with Christian Braun for a rebound when Braun’s push caused Murphy to land awkwardly. Murphy was helped off after speaking with the team’s trainer. The team announced he won’t be returning for the rest of the matchup.

It’s tough because he was really in the groove and looking like he could’ve done more. Trey contributed 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals in just 27 minutes.

With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram out, he was the one the Pels were relying on. But with Murphy III now sidelined, Brandon Boston and Javonte Green are likely to get more minutes off the bench. Let’s hope his injury isn’t serious, but until then, the team will need to adjust.

Murphy isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. He signed a four-year extension with the New Orleans side before the season started, locking him in for the foreseeable future. Even though the Pelicans have had a rough start to the season, Trey’s future with the team is still bright. With the trade deadline around the corner, reports have surfaced that he’s one of the three players the Pels view as untouchable! It’s a solid vote of confidence in him, even when the team is navigating some tough times.

Trey Murphy III might be “untouchable” but then, who is, on the Pelicans’ roster?

The New Orleans Pelicans are struggling with a 5-24 record, and it looks like they’re ready to make some moves. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the team is keen on keeping Trey Murphy and Herb Jones but has been “shopping” Williamson, Ingram, and CJ McCollum. Buha explained that Murphy and Jones are viewed as core players, saying, “Those are two guys that are going to have a high price to give up, similar to L.A. with Austin Reaves.”

Zion’s injury woes have once again put his future with the Pelicans in question. Tell me something new, honestly.

He’s only played six games this season, dealing with a hamstring injury. The team, once hoping Zion would be their cornerstone, might be really reconsidering that tiring plan. Meanwhile, Ingram and McCollum have been solid but far from championship-caliber. Buha noted that dealing with the Pels could help bring in valuable draft picks for the future.

The Pelicans reportedly still value Dejounte Murray highly, despite his rough season. Buha said, “I think the price for Dejounte Murray is still going to probably be high.” They aren’t looking to just dump him for a low return.

For Murphy, though, it’s a different story.

With a career-high 19.2 points per game, plus his solid defense, the 24-year-old is one of the few untouchables in New Orleans. Jones, with his 1.9 steals per game, is also firmly in their long-term plans. “They want to keep them,” Buha concluded.