The New Orleans Pelicans are running out of ways to mitigate Dejounte Murray's impact. Since returning from injury, the former All-Star has not only stabilized the backcourt but reshaped the team's defensive identity. This is a change that James Borrego has made clear is no coincidence. It's this reality that makes a potential contract decision this offseason much more complicated than a simple market-value debate, especially since Zion Williamson is in a similar situation.
In his first 10 games, Murray has averaged 18.7 points, 6.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 27.6 minutes per game. His field goal percentage since his return is 54.7%, a level of shooting efficiency that exceeds any performance he had in 31 games before the injury. The Pelicans are seventh in points per game and 10th in steals since Murray returned.
However, this contract extension decision goes beyond counting statistics. Borrego emphasized that Murray's presence has fundamentally changed the team's identity, changing the mentality from passive to assertive.
"The physicality has improved with our intention to be a more physical, aggressive team with our hands on the ball," Borrego explained. "We've set the tone on the ball. He's Dejounte, he's Fear, he's Herb Jones setting the tone on the ball, contesting every shot. Our field goal percentage defense has really increased. We're contesting every shot. Our three-point percentage has really gone down against our opponents."
"You can't be the bottom team in this league and think you're going to win," Borrego said. "And that has to be a mentality. Every day we're working defensively. It's about pride. It's about size. It's about physicality. And I think we've simplified our defense as well. We're not changing coverages too much. At most, what we're doing within a play is maybe trying to take out one or two players."
As Borrego noted, the team's statistical turnaround has been anchored by Murray's point of attack defense. Since the NBA All-Star break, the Pelicans have dropped from 27th to 18th in defensive rating. Countering the shots is yielding huge benefits. He has shown significant improvement in opponent's effective field goal percentage, especially from beyond the arc, moving from 26th (55.8%) to eighth (53.2%).
With Murray's projected contributions expected to remain close to All-Star levels over the next three to four years, the Pelicans will have to decide if the veteran guard represents the necessary cornerstone to translate this late regular season momentum into future postseason success. The franchise has long valued fiscal discipline to avoid the luxury tax, but there is a compelling case for making an investment that could cement the team's identity for years to come.
As the Pelicans regroup for a crucial offseason, the front office faces a high-stakes math problem. How much will Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver really value a player who has fundamentally changed the team's defensive DNA?
The answer probably sits in the $100 million range.
Dejounte Murray paces Pelicans
Murray's $32 million salary cap hit next season is just fine. There is no way to pick up the $30 million player option for the 2027-28 fiscal year. Getting close to $38 million annually over the next three years shows what he has shown and what he can provide. This will be expensive. This will require financial discipline elsewhere on the roster.
However, the option of seeing a former All-Star, an elite defender and a natural leader walk out the door because the front office was unwilling to shed a $40 million AAV would be a mistake this franchise cannot afford, given how other star eras have ended. Zion Williamson can afford to wait in line behind Murray for this order of business.
Fortunately, the contracts of Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Zach LaVine, Kyrie Irving and Derrick White provide a reference point below that range. Jrue Holiday and Fred Van Vleet's deals provide a floor for Murray's agents if the market wants to play hardball.
The potential three-year, $114 million extension may not be in line with internal accounting plans. Still, it's hard to ignore the courtroom evidence, which is forcing the franchise to reconsider how hard that line should be with this origin. Murray is entering what should be the high point of his career. His Achilles injury was serious, but his comeback in terms of production, efficiency and impact on wins has eliminated most of the durability concerns that might otherwise reduce his market value.
There are probably 15 players in the world who are capable of being a triple-double threat every night while still being legitimate NBA Defensive Player of the Year contenders. Most are on All-NBA teams at the end of the season. There's no obvious price tag on that combination of skills, but the floor is very high, especially after Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Derrick Queen and Herb Jones. Just look at how much the Pelicans have been winning lately.
Given how the last few weeks have gone, the connective tissue of that core is unquestionably Dejounte Murray. Letting him go, or letting negotiations stall long enough to damage the relationship, would cost New Orleans far more than the contract dollars in question. That's why the Pelicans should consider starting talks with a placeholder $80 million over two years versus a long-term three- or four-year investment that leads to the trade market.
