“He didn’t get a tech. I am so proud of him,” Jordan said with a grin. “He didn’t get a tech today.”

"He didnt get a tech. I am so proud of him. He didnt get a tech today"

— DeAndre Jordan on Jeremiah Fears pic.twitter.com/GQ0AgVCqdt

— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) March 1, 2026

The veteran’s playful jab came after a high-stakes game where emotions could have easily boiled over. Fears, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, played with a maturity that belied his age, especially after Pelicans star Zion Williamson left the game early in the second quarter with a right ankle injury.

With Williamson sidelined, Fears stepped up in a major way. The rookie guard finished the night with a massive double-double, tallying 18 points and a season-high 11 rebounds. He also added five assists and two blocks in 34 minutes of action, showing exactly why he’s been a fixture on the NBA’s Rookie Ladder all season.

The Pelicans relied on a balanced attack to secure their fourth straight win. Saddiq Bey led the scoring with 24 points, while Bryce McGowens matched Fears with 18 of his own. Herbert Jones anchored the defensive effort with 17 points and eight rebounds, helping New Orleans weather a late surge from Utah’s Isaiah Collier, who finished with 21 points.

For a Pelicans team that is starting to find its stride in the Western Conference, the development of Fears as a poised playmaker is a huge win. If he can keep stacking double-doubles while avoiding the refs’ whistle, DeAndre Jordan will have plenty more to be proud of.

The post Pelicans’ DeAndre Jordan pokes fun at Jeremiah Fears for not getting a technical foul appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Pelicans have found recent momentum and are currently on a three-game winning streak. Regardless, the Jazz once again have Keyonte George on the official injury list, as he is listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain.

George last played for Utah in the loss against the Orlando Magic and is on the injury list alongside a host of players, including Lauri Markkanen, who is out due to right hip
impingement. The likes of Walker Kessler, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jusuf Nurkic, and Vince Williams Jr. are also out due to various injuries.

For the Pelicans, Yves Missi is listed as questionable, while Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Trey Alexander, and Hunter Dickinson are officially out.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Keyonte George injury status vs. Pelicans

George will once again be a game-time decision but his questionable status suggests he may as well play a part. Considering their recent form and their record of 18-41, they need their guard to be fit as soon as possible.

This should be another high-paced matchup akin to Thursday night when the Pelicans dispatched the Jazz in Salt Lake City. While both teams are currently languishing at the bottom of the Western Conference, New Orleans (18-42) will be hoping to notch up another win.

The Pelicans have won four of their last six contests and if George is unable to play, Utah will once again have to rely on a scrappy second unit that kept them afloat. The Jazz bench produced 61 points on Thursday, highlighted by Ace Bailey’s 23 points and Brice Sensabaugh’s 20.

However, Utah’s biggest hurdle remains their porous defense. The Jazz are currently surrendering 125.9 points per game and will need to be better than recent weeks in order to have a chance.

Jazz injury report

Keyonte George: Questionable (Right Ankle Sprain)

Jaren Jackson Jr.: Out (Left Knee Injury Recovery)

Walker Kessler: Out (Left Shoulder Injury Recovery)

Lauri Markkanen: Out (Right Hip Impingement)

Jusuf Nurkic: Out (Nose Injury Recovery)

Vince Williams Jr.: Out (Left Knee Injury Management)

Pelicans injury report

Yves Missi: Questionable (Left Calf Strain)

Trey Alexander: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Hunter Dickinson: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Trey Murphy III: Out (Right Shoulder Contusion)

Dejounte Murray: Out (Return to Competition Reconditioning)

The post Is Keyonte George playing tonight? Jazz vs. Pelicans injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

It also makes the question of an extension one Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver cannot afford to ignore. The decision could shape the franchise’s direction for the next few years, with or without Williamson in the fold. The former Villanova standout is enjoying a resurgent season, averaging 19.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.1 steals/blocks while shooting 46.9% from the field under Borrego. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have perhaps the two best comparisons already on the books.

Pelicans paying useful comps

The Pelicans will likely start discussions around $55-65 million over four years, likely seeking a team option in the final season to protect against decline or injury. Bey’s camp, armed with his 2025-26 production and the leverage of impending unrestricted free agency, will ask for the maximum ~$90 million allowable. Each side will have pitch portfolios, but DARKO projections and most stat peg Bey as worth slightly less than Trey Murphy III and slightly more than Herb Jones.

That should help the Pelicans push the final number to around $70-75 million over four years, conceding the option in the process. Such a contract would place Bey’s annual salary in the $18.75 million range, comfortably within extension limits while reflecting value as a two-way starter. If he continues trending upward, that type of deal could look team-friendly within two seasons as the salary cap rises.

Just as importantly, it would give the Pelicans three starting-caliber wings with fringe All-Star potential signed through their prime seasons.

Securing an $17-20 million average annual value is far more than Jones claims on taxes, to provide a floor-setting example, so neither side should let this drag out. The injury risk argument cuts both ways, but it cuts hardest against Bey. He already lost an entire season to a torn ACL. His current deal ($6M) runs through 2026-27 with no long-term security beyond that. Suffering a significant injury in the next 18 months without having locked up guaranteed money means entering unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027 with question marks attached to his value.

Pressure on Saddiq Bey

That is a position no player wants to deal with in their late-20s. For Dumars and Weaver, the risk scenario is equally uncomfortable. If the two sides do not reach an agreement, the Pelicans will face an agonizing choice. Either they deal Bey before the 2027 NBA Trade Deadline to recoup assets before losing him for nothing, or bet on re-signing him in free agency against a full open market. That is not a bet the small-market misfit organization should want to make on a player this good.

Bey is a plus defender with legitimate offensive upside who does not need the ball to impact the game. Jones, Murphy III, and Bey give the Pelicans three of the better wings in the conference, all entering their primes. Securing the trio at a combined cap cost that remains manageable creates real long-term flexibility while keeping an exciting core intact.

Haggling over a few million dollars, watching Bey walk in free agency, or trading him for a couple of second-round picks that will likely never amount to anything is a mistake front offices make far too often during rebuilding season. Agents have been fired for losing $20 million because they wanted to fight over $2 million.

The player is restricted from getting much more due to the CBA, while the franchise has historically flopped in free agency. A deal provides clarity and alleviates pressure ahead of what is arguably the most important offseason for everyone involved. In a league where mid-level wings command $15-$20 million per year, locking in this reasonable rate should be easy business in the Big Easy.

The post Why Pelicans, Saddiq Bey must explore $80 million contract extension this summer appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Breaking down what makes elite defensive players so rare and difficult to replicate. Finding a couple for a roster is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“There are very few guys who have impacted the defensive end like Draymond Green in general in my 23 years in the NBA. His ability to communicate and put out fires is second to none. (Green) quarterbacks that entire defense. He’s as close to Lawrence Taylor as we’ve seen in the NBA,” Borrego began. “I mean, that guy from that outside linebacker position, Mike Singletary, I think I’d put those two guys, that’s what Draymond has done for their defense.”

Green’s value extends far beyond the stat sheet, something the Warriors regularly acknowledge when times get tough.

Word has gotten around, even without Draymond yelling about it.

“Steve Kerr has said this multiple times. Without (Green), there are no championships,” noted Borrego. “He brings a different edge with his ability to communicate and talk, his physicality, and the way he covers for his teammates.”

Borrego sees a kindred football spirit in his own locker room. Jones, the 2022-23 All-Defensive first-team selection known as the Not on Herb nightmare around the NBA, possesses a similar instinctual mastery.

“(The Pelicans) have a guy like that, too. I think Herb Jones has this ability, this innate ability,” Borrego admitted. “I don’t even know if you can teach it. I don’t know where Draymond got it from, and I don’t know where Herb got it from. It’s probably a combination of growing up and how they grew up in different sports.”

Having a Monsters of the Midway attitude on the field or court helps. Most are born with it. Any coach who claims to have the competitive recipe that ends up being a Draymond or a Herb is either rich already and guarding the near-priceless secret or scamming AAU parents.

“Maybe they had a coach along the way. Maybe it’s a little bit of just being cerebral, where they can see fires before they even start and go put them out. (Green’s) ability to cover for Steph and Klay, everything happening in actions, it’s hard to find those types of guys.”

When it comes to being in a class-above, Draymond has earned the one-name star status reserved for the truly elite.

Borrego knows from being around some NBA Hall of Famers for a while.

“I’ve been around a couple of great defenders in Bruce Bowen and Kawhi Leonard. Individually, one-on-one, they’re amazing. Draymond to me is different in that he’s more cerebral off the ball,” Borrego confessed. “He’s doing this quarterbacking off the ball and changing stuff on the fly. He’s audibling like football, you’re making audibles on the fly in the heat of battle. Most guys can’t do that. Herb Jones is probably the closest thing I’ve seen where he can go take a defense and just kind of make it his own. ”

For Jones, the football comp shifts from a disruptive outside linebacker to a classic middle linebacker. Any coach with eyeballs knows what to do with the stalking type with antcipates everything.

“Turn him loose. (Jones) is a really special, really special player. Herb’s the one that I would say from a defensive standpoint is that type of cerebral defender, the middle linebacker, the Brian Urlacher, those types of guys that instinctively can make plays. They have a feel for what’s about to happen, and they go handle it.”

Analogies were not limited to the second lines, though that is why New Orleans is famous. Dome Patrol or dancing past a parade, doesn’t matter. When discussing rim protection, Borrego turned to the trenches, using DeAndre Jordan as the prime example of a nose tackle controlling the line of scrimmage.

“I think DeAndre Jordan has been interesting,” Borrego continued. “I’m not sure where you would put him in there, but his ability to protect the rim, he’d be the nose tackle or the guy right in the middle of the floor, like at the line of scrimmage. (Jordan) is going to own the line of scrimmage. To me, that’s how the protection of the paint is put in football terms. Really own the line of scrimmage. You’re going to win the running game. Those small margins, like the running game, are really important there.”

As for Zion Williamson, much like every other talking head with a hot take, Borrego believes the forward’s rare blend of power and athleticism would translate easily to the football field.

“And then (Williamson). I’ll probably find (a football comp) for Zion, too. I don’t have one off the top of my head, but just his ability to make spontaneous, athletic, powerful plays at any time. Zion belongs on the football field, too. I mean, he could go do that, you know, really as a defensive end.”

The Pelicans do not need any more injury setbacks, so do not expect Zion to be suiting up with the Saints this summer. Football during the downtime is all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

The post Pelicans’ James Borrego makes legendary NFL comparisons for Draymond Green, Zion Williamson appeared first on ClutchPoints.

There will be no quit in New Orleans. A handful in the organization, Murray and broadcaster Antonio Daniels included, suggest the Pelicans will push for the last NBA Play-In Tournament spot.

“Duh!!! Are we a contender? No. Can we reach top 6 spot? No. Can we build some momentum playing together and build winning habits rest of the season? Yes,” Murray posted on X/Twitter. “Can we treat every game like a championship game and win, win, win? Yes. Can we get in them last spots in the play-in??? Duhhhhh.”

The All-Star point guard’s postseason aspirations are, to put it charitably, optimistic. Enthusiasm after a season debut is understandable; the reality is sobering. New Orleans won two of their first three games after the NBA All-Star break and they will have a fully healthy roster soon. Murray’s return really added some ‘poise’ to the process, per Borrego.

However, fewer than two dozen games are remaining for the basement-dwelling Pelicans to make up an 11 game deficiet. The schedule is manageable, but the big picture situation of trying to chase down the LA Clippers is undeniable.

Murray’s minions are about to embark on a six-game road trip, though five of the next seven games are against lottery-bound squads looking to lose to improve their odds. Unfortunately, the Clippers have the third-easiest schedule to close out the regular season. Still, the core of this team can build some momentum and chemistry that should be of value going into next season, when the team expects to contend for a top-six seed.

Pelicans steering into stability

James Borrego’s beefed-up starting five replaces two rookies with two All-Star-caliber veterans. At least one current starter will be replaced once Trey Murphy III and Yves Missi are available, which should be soon.

“It’s very complicated right now,” confessed Borrego. “It’s about to get more complicated in the next game or two. It’s a good problem; we’ve been waiting for this. We’ve got healthy bodies back, we’re playing good basketball, and guys are confident right now.  It’s complicated, a puzzle that I have to figure out night to night. I can’t make 15 guys happy, but I do know 15 guys are ready to go. And I trust all 15. At any moment, it could be their night, your moment, your quarter.”

The core pieces are becoming clear. Murray will run the point for the next six weeks. Given the constant communication with Joe Dumars and the urgency to return to action, fans can expect the former All-Star to be in Metairie for training camp next September. Zion Williamson’s value before the NBA Trade Deadline was a wake-up call for the underwhelming face of the franchise. The front office has found a way to get Williamson on the court and smiling, though, so expect the experiment to be extended.

Fans can expect Williamson and Murray to alternate ball handling and table setting duties to create chances for everyone else. Herb Jones is beloved by fans, appreciated by teammates, and feared by All-World foes. Not on Herb in not starting games on the bench. Trey Murphy III is arguably the best player in the Big Easy, and possibly the best shooter on the planet. His length and versatility slot in on the wing opposite of Jones.

Yves Missi, Derik Queen, and Saddiq Bey will likely alternate as the fifth starter, depending on matchups. Bey as the sixth man option to provide a scoring boost off the bench is the tactical play. It gives Jeremiah Fears a fresh outlet, for example. However, the Pelicans have played from behind far too often this season. Getting a lead and letting the young players figure things out with a lead against second units is the only way to keep the Play-In Tournament dreams alive until March Madness begins.

Fears should be the first guard off the bench. Murray is on a minutes restriction now, and the recent first-round investment means the rookie will get significant on-court development time next season. Jordan Poole is apparently out of Borrego’s metaphorical doghouse but has limited potential with the team after this season. Expect Poole to punch out about 20 minutes per night on average, depending on whether his shot is falling and passing is on point.

Queen and Bey as a tandem should log around 50 minutes per night. That duo’s potential must be given time to develop. Micah Peavy and Bruce McGowens are ready for a bigger role, just to get the data, if Poole is playing around too much. The Pelicans are getting serious about setting a new standard by all accounts. Karlo Matkovic is the change of pace front court option when Missi and Queen get tired or run into roadblocks. Matkovic is still earning Borrego’s trust in small increments.

It may not be enough to snag the last NBA Play-In Tournament spot, but this gameplan gives the Pelicans a real chance to push for an NBA Playoffs spot next season. Joe Dumars is arguably a couple of savvy offseason moves away from contention, if those shedded salaries are Poole and Jordan Hawkins.

Murray, Williamson, Murphy III, and Queen have All-Star potential. Fears is a firecracker. Not on Herb could still win a Defensive Player of the Year award. Bey might have been the best buy-low bargain bet of the last 12 months. The framework is there. They just need one season without injuries smothering the championship fire. The next six weeks are the best low-pressure situation to give fans a sneak peek of why they should still be excited about this foundation’s viability.

The post Dejounte Murray’s play-in take is nuts, but here’s how Pelicans set stage to contend next season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Missi is recovering from a left calf strain. The Jazz, meanwhile, have several injury concerns of their own with Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George both questionable as they recover from injuries, per the official injury list.

Jaren Jackson Jr., Walker Kessler, Jusuf Nurkic and Vince Williams Jr. are all confirmed to be out for Utah as well.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Trey Murphy III injury status vs. Jazz

Trey Murphy III is a confirmed out for this game with the Jazz also sweating over the availability of their star men in the form of Markkanen and George. The Pelicans (17-42) have begun to turn the tide lately, winning two in a row and five of their last 10 games.

On the other side, the Jazz (18-40) are desperately trying to snap a three-game losing skid after struggling defensively in a recent 125-105 blowout loss to the Houston Rockets. The Jazz are currently fielding a depleted frontcourt, missing Walker Kessler and Jusuf Nurkic.

The Pelicans won all three meetings between these two teams last season, and they will look to get the upper hand in what is a back-to-back against the same team.

Pelicans injury report

Trey Alexander: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Hunter Dickinson: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Yves Missi: Out (Left Calf; Strain)

Trey Murphy III: Out (Right Shoulder; Contusion)

Jazz injury report

Keyonte George: Questionable (Right Ankle; Sprain)

Jaren Jackson Jr.: Out (Left Knee; Injury recovery)

Walker Kessler: Out (Left Shoulder; Injury recovery)

Lauri Markkanen: Questionable (Right Ankle; Sprain / Right hip impingement)

Jusuf Nurkic: Out (Nose; Injury recovery)

Vince Williams Jr.: Out (Left Knee; Injury management)

The post Is Trey Murphy III playing tonight? Pelicans vs. Jazz injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Utah once again has several injury concerns. Markkanen is dealing with a right ankle sprain and right hip impingement after getting hurt in practice, joining the official injury list as questionable alongside Keyonte George.

The likes of Walker Kessler, Jaren Jackson Jr., Vince Williams Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic are all out. The Pelicans, meanwhile, are better-placed injury-wise. Trey Murphy III and Yves Missi join Hunter Dickinson and Trey Alexander, who are both off on G League assignments.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Lauri Markkanen injury status vs. Pelicans

Lauri Markkanen remains a game-time decision despite starring with 29 points against the Rockets. The Jazz (18-40) are reeling, looking to snap a three-game losing streak, while the Pelicans (17-42) have started to find a rhythm, winning two in a row and five of their last 10 games.

Markkanen has been nothing short of spectacular when healthy. The Finnish star is averaging an elite 26.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game on the season. The offensive burden falls to George in his absence with both players dealing with injuries. He is going at 23.8 points and 6.5 assists per night.

The Jazz lost all three meetings to New Orleans last season, and may need their best player on the floor to avoid a similar fate in this first matchup of the current campaign.

Jazz injury report

Keyonte George: Questionable (Right Ankle; Sprain)

Jaren Jackson Jr.: Out (Left Knee; Injury recovery)

Walker Kessler: Out (Left Shoulder; Injury recovery)

Lauri Markkanen: Questionable (Right Ankle; Sprain / Right hip impingement)

Jusuf Nurkic: Out (Nose; Injury recovery)

Vince Williams Jr.: Out (Left Knee; Injury management)

Pelicans injury report

Trey Alexander: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Hunter Dickinson: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Yves Missi: Out (Left Calf; Strain)

Trey Murphy III: Out (Right Shoulder; Contusion)

The post Lauri Markkanen’s official injury status vs. Pelicans after getting hurt in Jazz practice appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Murray was very active on social media, cheering on the Seahawks throughout their Super Bowl run. The Sounders and Mariners have also gotten some love lately. Financially, his contract would be perfect for an expansion team in the next two seasons. If it takes longer for the NBA to make a decision, the city connections could lead to an extension over the 29-year-old’s 2027-28 relatively cheap $30 million player option.

When asked about getting that special attention in the starting five introductions in his first game in 13 months, the former All-Star made sure to mention Seattle multiple times.

“I mean, save me for last. Call me first. It don’t matter. I’m in the NBA, you know, just a kid from Seattle. So this, this is a blessing,” Murray shared. “There’s a lot of emotions I held inside, you know what I’m saying? I had my family here. So, yeah, I’m grateful for sure.”

“Man, (making it back from injury rehab) was great. Like I said, you know, I’m just a kid from Seattle. I’m in the NBA, and just what I’ve been through, like, I’ve been through a lot,” added Murray. “But I don’t hold no excuses. I keep my chest out, chin up, keep smiling, and I’m just ready to see where it goes from here. I know God got some great things in store for me on and off the floor.”

For a Seattle startup that will need to sell tickets, jerseys, and hope from Opening Day, there may be no better first target than the kid from Rainier Beach who’s never stopped repping his city.

The post Why Dejounte Murray makes perfect sense as Seattle expansion draft target appeared first on ClutchPoints.

An account on social media claimed that the 29-year-old guard had requested a trade from the Pelicans before the deadline. Murray saw the post and claimed that to be untrue, shutting down rumors altogether.

“LET’S CLEAR THE AIR CAUSE F*** A SOURCE,” proclaimed Murray. “Me Or My Agent Never Requested A Trade Out Of NEW ORLEANS!!!! Joe And The Whole Organization Know I Was Locked In To Come Back Better Than Ever To Help Make This Play In Push And Whatever Comes After That!! It’s Bouts To Get Fun!!”

The nine-year veteran doubled down on his play-in tournament claim, explaining to one sports fan how if the Pelicans play hard in the final stretch of the regular season, they could find themselves competing for a playoff spot.

“Duh!!! Are we a contender? No. Can we reach top 6 spot? No. Can we build some momentum playing together and build winning habits rest of the season? Yes. Can we treat every game like a championship game and win, win, win? Yes. Can we get in them last spots in the play-in??? Duhhhhh.”

Dejounte Murray had missed a majority of this season after suffering a ruptured right Achilles tendon in January 2025. In his first game back in action, Murray recorded 13 points, two rebounds, three assists, and a steal. He also shot 45.4% from the floor and 25.0% from beyond the three-point line.

The post Pelicans’ Dejounte Murray shuts down trade request rumors in NSFW tweets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Murray delivered a vintage performance (13 points, three assists, two rebounds in 25 minutes), but it was the energy injected by first-year players during a pivotal third-quarter stretch that had the All-Star singing some postgame praises.

“Yeah, we needed it though. We had some battles in practice. Just to have a game like that where we came out hot, looked really well to start the game, but then we had some adversity to get through. Shout out to that third quarter. Our young group came in, and they won that quarter. They played really well to put us in a position to win tonight. At the end of the day, we’ve just got to be together and do it together.”

The victory provided a glimpse of what James Borrego’s injury-plagued Pelicans hope is a promising future, even as New Orleans navigates the final stretch of a challenging season. With the playoffs out of reach, minutes have opened for the rookie class. Thankfully, Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen are making the most of the opportunities, with both posting All-Rookie worthy numbers across the board.

For a demanding Dejounte Murray-led Pelicans squad, the opportunity to mentor the young core is a chance for every veteran to help build something sustainable. As a point guard, it must be a priority. As for how much the Fears and Queen have applied the 29-year-old’s advice over the last few weeks?

“A lot. Because, as I said, I want to make everybody’s jobs easier, and that’s going to rub off on them. But there are guys who already feel that way. You know, you got a guy like Herb Jones that don’t ask the coach to draw a play up for him. He’s always active on offense. He sees what no one see defense, he’s active. Everybody knows him for that,” Murray explained. “But, you know, I just think the more we’re together off the floor, having fun and learning each other translate, it could be really special.”

The Pelicans (15-42) are lottery-bound, but the development of their rookie duo has emerged as a genuine bright spot. Queen is averaging 12.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists; Fears is putting up 13.3 points and 3.1 assists. Murray suggested their statistics tell only part of the story. What’s impressed him more is how they’ve handled the inevitable ups and downs of an NBA rookie season, particularly when roles changed dramatically.

“We do like each other. There’s no egos. There’s nobody pouting,” Murray shared. “You had young guys starting, then they went to the bench. They took it, you know, like they should have taken it, and I give a lot of credit to them for that. So, that speaks volumes of maturity and what they’re in for. And we’re all here to win and longevity, you know, is a key for everybody.”

For a franchise that has often searched for stability, Murray sees the foundation being laid in real time. Joe Dumars has ‘executed to perfection’ the plan to win Dejounte’s trust. Wins might be harder to come by this season, but the belief in what comes next has never been stronger.

The post Why Pelicans’ Dejounte Murray sees ‘something special’ in Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Instead, the veteran guard shared a blunt assessment that balanced frustration with perspective.

“We didn’t f**king rebound. We were awful. We were awful. Like, we should have practice tomorrow, be all rebounding,” Murray cursed. “Literally, Herb Jones didn’t rebound. You know what I’m saying? When he rebounds, we all rebound.”

Murray grabbed two boards to go along with three assists and 13 points in 25 minutes, so there were smiles in the postgame locker room after the quick lashing.

Still, he stayed measured when grading the bigger picture following his first game in nearly 13 months, stuck on one particular play.

“We could be better. I think tonight I give us a C+. that’s that’s beautiful to have a C+ and win the basketball game in the NBA versus a good team,” allowed Murray. “I don’t care who’s in, who’s out. Steve Kerr coaches his team really well. They got a system, and they put the right players in position to be successful.”

The forgiving grade underscored the bigger picture. Even an “awful” performance can serve as a useful building block.

“I think we probably like a C or C plus,” Murray reiterated. “We could have been more solid. Like, I had a little turnover there. I feel like I got fouled, but no excuses. We’ve got to be solid. When teams trap and are trying to come from behind, we’ve got to be in our spots and be there for one another. I think that’s my job, but also, you know, it’s a collective unit. Me being a point guard, and as I said, I’m here to better everybody else. I’m here to win, so we’ve got to be better. I think overall getting the win, you can go build from things and, you know, correct those errors.”

Seven of the next nine games are on the road, beginning with a six-game journey around the Western Conference. At least the first two games of the trip are against the lottery-bound Utah Jazz. That’s the perfect setup for Dejounte Murray’s Pelicans to pick up a head of steam before the summer break.

The post Dejounte Murray reveals 1 thing Pelicans didn’t ‘f**king’ do in awful debut appeared first on ClutchPoints.

For Murray, getting back on the floor was about more than just physical rehabilitation. It was about maintaining a connection with an organization that made him a priority during the darkest days of recovery.

“Absolutely. You know, for me it was just to take care of my mental,” Murray began. “Mainly with my body, I wanted to be in a position to play. Shout out to my team that I had helping in LA. The Pelicans were doing well, connected, and coming in. They probably came seven times to check on me and make sure everything was going well. And at the end of the day, Joe Dumars and I talk a lot. And the plan that, you know, we built, we executed to perfection. You know, that’s why Dejounte was able to play today.”

That frequent travel from New Orleans to Los Angeles represented a significant shift for a franchise Murray had publicly criticized just months earlier for failing to provide adequate support during his first injury-plagued season with the team. The relationship began to mend when Dumars took over as head of basketball operations following last season.

The new front office initiated direct conversations with Murray about his concerns and implemented changes based on the guard’s feedback.

“They did great, and all that’s up to the doctors,” Murray explained. “Great on the staff. They came together with our medical staff. On the communication parts, everything, we had been communicating since this morning all the way to, you know, the game. So, like I said, the win that matters. Grateful for that. We got the win and are ready to build from it.”

Murray’s conditioning appeared intact in his first game action of the season, even if his shot wasn’t quite there. He was unbothered by the box score, pointing instead to how his body held up as the real measure of success on the night.

“The buckets are going to come,” Murray shrugged. “I felt like I was active. I felt good with lateral movements, running up and down. You know, my condition was good. So, that’s just a credit to my hard work and dedication.”

New Orleans came away with a win in Murray’s debut, and the 29-year-old made clear the result was what mattered most as Borrego’s rebuilding Pelicans look to build momentum heading into the offseason. The former All-Star, who averaged 21.1 points, 9.2 assists, and 8.3 rebounds during his 2022 All-Star season with the San Antonio Spurs, now has fewer than two dozen games to demonstrate he can still be an elite option to lead a new era of bayou basketball.

The post How Pelicans’ Dejounte Murray plan was ‘executed to perfection’ before season debut appeared first on ClutchPoints.

On January 31, 2025, Dejounte Murray suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in the Pelicans game against the Boston Celtics. Murray played just eight minutes and nine seconds before going down with the injury.

After missing 13 months with the Achilles tear and working hard to return, the Pelicans guard made his season debut and return from the injury on Tuesday night, when the Pelicans hosted the Golden State Warriors inside the Smoothie King Center.

In a tremendous show of respect, the Pelicans reorganized their starting lineup to mention Dejounte Murray last in the group as the crowd cheered him on.

https://x.com/RodWalkerNola/status/2026465486892834952

On the first play of the game, center DeAndre Jordan found Murray cutting from the left corner with a bounce pass. Murray made an acrobatic reverse layup, giving him his first basket back since the injury.

Dejounte Murray cuts backdoor for his first bucket in his return

This is his first game since January 31st 2025!

pic.twitter.com/51kXHZ6nBM

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 25, 2026

Dejounte Murray played five minutes in his first stint before checking out of the game to a nice ovation from Pelicans fans. Murray finished with four points on 2-of-3 shooting from the field.

Murray had been ramping up over the last few weeks, but appeared to have some of his athleticism back as soon as six months after the Achilles surgery. The Pelicans guard actually posted a video at the six-month mark of his recovery throwing down a reverse dunk with relative ease.

6 MONTHS AND THIS SH*T FEEL LIGHT!!! I Catch Back Up With Y’all In A Few!!! #DM5 pic.twitter.com/PuThC0u386

— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) August 20, 2025

Since becoming a full-time starter in the 2020 season, Dejounte Murray has averaged 18.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 45.5 percent from the field. If Murray can get back to form quickly, it could make for either an intriguing part of of the Pelicans rebuild or a great trade piece for a team missing an athletic, do-it-all guard.

The post Dejounte Murray’s first basket 18 seconds into return from Achilles injury vs. Warriors appeared first on ClutchPoints.

First and foremost, guard Dejounte Murray will be making his long-awaited return to the basketball court after missing a total of 13 months due to a torn right Achilles tendon suffered in January 2025.

Murray will play and be on a minutes limit in the game, head coach James Borrego said before the game.

But Tuesday night will also mark a milestone for forward Zion Williamson. The former number one pick from Duke has dealt with a number of injuries since entering the league in 2019, and everyone is hoping he’s finally turned a corner this season.

Tuesday night will mark the 26th consecutive start Williamson has made, which is a new career-high for the Pelicans forward.

Zion Williamson is slated to make his 26th consecutive start tonight, which will be the longest streak of his career.

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) February 24, 2026

Thus far, Zion Williamson has played in 42 of the Pelicans 58 games this season, averaging 21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steal while shooting 58.7 percent from the field.

Friday’s game against the Bucks was the 41st of the season for Zion Williamson, which triggered a $16.8 million contract guarantee for the 2026-27 season, according to Spotrac’s Keith Smith.

If Williamson is able to play eight more games after tonight to reach 51, his contract guarantee would grow to $25.3 million. It would then reach $33.7 million if he plays 61 games.

Williamson can fully guarantee the $42.2 million he’s owed for the 2026-27 season if he plays 61 games and meets certain weight conditions.

The Pelicans have 24 games remaining entering Tuesday, which means that Williamson would need to play in 19 of the final 24 games to have a chance to fully guarantee next season’s deal

In his seven seasons in the NBA, Zion Williamson has played 24 games in his rookie season, 61 in his second season, did not play at all in the 2021-22 season, 29 games in his third season, 70 games in his fourth season, and 30 games in his fifth season.

The post Pelicans news: Zion Williamson to make personal history vs. Warriors appeared first on ClutchPoints.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Dejounte Murray’s playing status vs the Warriors on Tuesday

It will certainly be a sight for sore eyes when Dejounte Murray takes the floor on Tuesday against Golden State. It’s unclear at this point whether head coach James Borrego plans to start the point guard, but regardless, he is sure to get a big ovation from the fans at the Smoothie King Center whenever he does step onto the floor.

Meanwhile, Trey Murphy III will be out for the Pelicans in this one due to a right shoulder contusion, while Yves Missi is also out with a left calf strain.

For the Warriors, Stephen Curry will remain out of the lineup as he deals with a knee injury, while new trade acquisition Kristaps Porzingis is also out with an illness. Draymond Green and De’Anthony Melton are both questionable for the game.

Murray was acquired by the Pelicans from the Atlanta Hawks in the summer of 2024 in exchange for a package centered around Dyson Daniels, who went on to win the Most Improved Player of the Year award in his first season in Atlanta.

Murray had a bit of a mixed bag of a tenure with New Orleans to open up last year before tearing his Achilles, but he is sure to provide a steady balance of playmaking and shot creation to a Pelicans team that desperately needs both.

The Pelicans and Warriors are slated to tip off at 8:00 pm ET.

The post Is Dejounte Murray returning tonight? Pelicans vs. Warriors injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Borrego, who took over for Willie Green, must show he can solve two persistent issues that have plagued the Pelicans this season. Slow starts and inconsistent clutch production have been an issue for far too long given the top-end talent available. Players have to close games, but the coaching staff is on the hook for having a plan at the opening tip.

“There is a responsibility when you start to get your team off to a good start and set the tone for the evening. We’ve not done that (this season), but that’s the goal, the task in front of us,” Borrego explained. “We’ve figured out some other areas of growth, but the starts are extremely important. We’ve got our eyes on that, and we’ll make the appropriate adjustments.”

The Pelicans sit 24th in the standings when measured solely by first-quarter scores and 18th in first-quarter points per game. Borrego’s bunch are winning first quarters only 27% of the time. Unfortunately, after hosting the Warriors on February 24, New Orleans embarks on a six-game road trip. The end of the season is more difficult. Seven of the team’s last 10 games are on the road, ending with a trip to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 12.

Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver would probably give Borrego an honest shot at a full season if the team can find even 10 wins over the final six weeks of the season. However, slow starts and inconsistent clutch production will leave the front office no choice but to look at outside options.

The post What Pelicans ‘have their eye on’ as James Borrego makes final pitch for full time job appeared first on ClutchPoints.

For most rookies, comparisons to a three-time MVP would amount to little more than preseason hype. It’s quickly becoming Queen’s job description. As the Pelicans close a disappointing season, Borrego’s top priority is fully unleashing the rookie big man in the role Jokic has made famous. The results suggest Queen is ready to be the primary hub of the offense, bringing the ball up after rebounds and initiating everything in the half-court.

“Queen has that naturally; he had that ability coming into the NBA,” Borrego told ClutchPoints. “He has the ability to make plays, and really his strength is making others better. His ability to pass, see the floor, and he does it in the full court. I think you referenced Jokic. Well, we’ve got a ways to go, but getting that in the full court is a problem.”

“Jokic can bring it up off a rebound, same thing with Queen,” added Borrego. “He has the vision to kick the ball ahead and find the open player. He does it in the half-court as well. I can probably move him around a little bit more in the half-court, too, to disguise his playmaking ability.”

That full-court and half-court versatility creates mismatches that defenses struggle to solve late in games.

By initiating the offense from the high post or elbow, Queen can force rotations and open driving lanes for teammates. That’s the same formula that earned Jokic multiple MVP awards. Borrego stressed that Queen’s impact extends beyond his own stat line. His willingness to share the ball has helped foster a team-wide culture of unselfishness that is paying dividends.

“It’s just a spirit that trickles throughout our team when you have guys that are willing to share the ball, move the ball,” Borrego shared. “Fears is growing in that area with his decision-making. His ability to get downhill in transition in the half court, touch the paint, find kickouts, and spray it.”

The Pelicans are building that identity around multiple young pieces, but Queen seems to be the obvious centerpiece. With the All-Rookie voting window closing soon, giving Queen extended minutes as the primary initiator in both transition and half-court sets would showcase exactly why he belongs in the NBA Rookie of the Year conversation.

“We have two young guys, and I’ll put Peavy in there as well. Peavy is another young guy who gets it. He is unselfish. He wants to get downhill and make plays for others,” explained Borrego. “We’ve got a core of young unselfish players that are trying to make others better.”

Fears and Peavy are fine prospects. A defense that has to account for a 6-foot-10 center who can push the pace off a defensive rebound and find cutters in transition is a defense stretched in ways most teams are simply not built to handle. Jokic has tortured opponents with that exact skill set for the better part of a decade. Derik Queen is flashing the same instincts.

All the traditional and analytical numbers are staggering, almost improbable for a 21-year-old big man finding his way in the NBA. Queen is averaging 12.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting 48.4% from the field through the All-Star break. The Maryland alum became the first rookie center in league history to record a 30-point triple-double, posting 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against the San Antonio Spurs.

Queen reached 200 career assists faster than any center in 50 years. Yes, faster than Jokic. The comparisons to three-time MVP are no longer just speculative. For a franchise that has endured injury, roster turnover, and a coaching change, the emergence of that kind of selfless core is the most promising development in New Orleans in years. Queen is not Jokic, not yet, and perhaps not ever, but the archetype is real.

The instincts are there; the supporting cast is buying in. With a handful of games remaining in his rookie season, now is precisely the time for the Pelicans to let Queen operate with the keys to the offense and see how far that Jokic comparison can actually go.

The post Why Pelicans must use Derik Queen in Nikola Jokic’s MVP role to close out All-Rookie season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Despite the Pelicans sitting in 14th place in the Western Conference with a 16-42 record, the 2022 All-Star is rejoining the team after missing more than a year due to a ruptured right Achilles tendon. Murray intends to demonstrate just how committed he is to this city.

“I love New Orleans, I love the people,” the 29-year-old guard told reporters on Monday, per the Pelicans Film Room X account. “This is the reason I’m coming back. I’m not one of them guys that could be like, ‘I’m paid, I could get an extra 6-7 months…’

“There’s a lot of excuses for a chump to be like ‘Nah, I ain’t playing.’ And I’m the opposite of that. Not only that, I see the fans. This city is passionate. They’re loving, they’re caring {and} they’ll get behind you if you show that you’re the same. Not only do I want to go represent Dejounte Murray and my Murray family, but I want to represent for New Orleans.”

"I'm not one of them guys that could be like, 'I'm paid, I could get an extra 6-7 months…' There's a lot of excuses for a chump to be like 'Nah, I ain't playing.' And I'm the opposite of that… I want to represent for New Orleans."

—Dejounte Murray
pic.twitter.com/0BI2wJ7Akk

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 23, 2026

Murray has not had many opportunities to represent the Pelicans since he arrived in The Big Easy in July of 2024. He played in just 31 games last season and will now make his 2025-26 debut in Tuesday’s home matchup versus the Golden State Warriors (30-27). There are bound to be some struggles, especially since there are several new players the former steals leader has not played with yet.

Though, even if Murray has rust to shake off, it sounds like he will have passion to spare. The No. 29 overall selection in the 2016 NBA Draft can play an important role in this new era of Pelicans basketball.

Dejounte Murray may not compete in a playoff game during his remaining time in New Orleans — under contract for two more years — but he can still compliment Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III, while also aiding rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen in their development. This is how No. 5 can wear the Pelicans uniform to full effect.

Fans are begging for a watchable product, and starting Tuesday night, Murray will do his best to help fulfill that modest request.

The post Why Pelicans’ Dejounte Murray wants to return now despite team record appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Matkovic’s steady rise from a fringe option to a trusted contributor has complicated the lineup choices, particularly with multiple productive big men competing for minutes.

Matkovic is flirting with 10-point and 10-rebound nights far more frequently, while shooting 46% from 3-point range (1.2 attempts per game). He has swatted at least two blocks in three of the last eight games, as of February 23. The 24-year-old Croatian’s recent performances have been impossible to ignore.

“He is making it tough on me,” Borrego told ClutchPoints. “It’s tough deciding who we are going to play, who we are not going to play. We’ve got a number of guys playing well in the front court with (Derik Queen, Yves Missi) and Karlo. (Kevon Looney) is a pro and he’s been there; then there is (Zion Williamson) as well. Still, Karlo keeps putting pressure on me to continue to play him through his effort, his physicality, his size, and his ability to be a two-way player. Offensively, (Matkovic) plays with great pace, gets up the floor, and can make a three. He can make a DHO and second side stuff for us.”

What separates Matkovic from a typical young player fighting for minutes, though, goes beyond the box score. Borrego has been particularly struck by what the big man brings in the less measurable areas of the game.

“It’s all the intangibles, too. (Matkovic) does not care if he scores or if he gets the credit. He is what you want to be about as a team,” Borrego noted. “Karlo is a team-first guy.”

Matkovic’s emergence has come largely through consistent energy and reliability rather than headline-grabbing stat lines. That selfless character, Borrego suggests, did not happen by accident.

“Somewhere back home, someone taught him well; he was raised well. He was coached well, and he has a spirit about selflessness and team that I just love,” confessed Borrego. “That oozes out of his play, and he continues to play with great confidence.”

Matkovic wasn’t projected to be a regular part of the rotation when the season began. Yet every time he steps on the floor, he earns another opportunity…and then another.

The Pelicans are crazy about Karlo Matkovic

Confidence, in fact, has been one of the most visible developments in Matkovic’s game as the workload has increased. The more he plays, the more natural he looks in an NBA setting.

“As you said, (Matkovic) looks more and more comfortable with the more minutes he gets,” Borrego admitted. “He has earned it. This is not been given to him. He was not pegged to be a rotational guy to start this season, but we’ve put him out there. I trust him and believe in him. He knows that, and I don’t see him dropping off.”

Matkovic, the 52nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has brought an intriguing blend of modern big man skills to the floor. At 6-foot-10 with legitimate shooting range, he adds a quiet, selfless reliability that coaches crave. At least one team will value those attributes in free agency this summer, if the Pelicans do not pick up a $2.2 million club option.

Borrego doesn’t hide how much he values that last part. In a league where egos can derail locker rooms, Matkovic’s willingness to do the dirty work without needing the spotlight has quickly made him a favorite of both the coaching staff and his teammates. The coach’s “tough” decision isn’t likely to get any easier.

As long as Matkovic keeps bringing the same effort, physicality, and team-first mentality every night, the rebuilding Pelicans will have to keep finding ways to get him on the floor because right now, leaving him out feels like the wrong choice both in the short and long term. In a league always searching for shooting, size, and selflessness, Karlo Matkovic is proving to be a rare combination of all three. And he’s making James Borrego’s job delightfully difficult in the process.

The post How Pelicans’ hidden gem is making things ‘tough’ on James Borrego appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Murphy has missed the last two games for the Pelicans due to a shoulder injury, but recently, the team got an optimistic status update on his status moving forward.

“James Borrego said Trey Murphy did not go through practice today, but the hope remains that Murphy’s absence won’t be a long one,” reported Will Guillory of The Athletic on X, formerly Twitter.

Murphy is one of the more talented players on the Pelicans roster, boasting the combination of three-point shooting, defense, and versatility that every NBA team is looking for these days.

Injuries have been a big concern for the wing in recent seasons, as they have been for several players on New Orleans’ roster, but with the Pelicans essentially already out of the picture for postseason contention in the Western Conference, they are right to be as cautious as needed with him.

Unfortunately for the Pelicans, the team does not own its pick in this summer’s NBA Draft, having traded that selection to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the right to draft Derik Queen. While Queen has been solid thus far in his rookie season, Pelicans fans are still not exactly thrilled that they won’t have a chance to draft one of the premier talents at the top of what is anticipated to be a loaded 2026 draft class.

For the rest of the year, the Pelicans will likely pour their energy into developing the young players on their roster and trying to build some sort of sustainable system moving forward.

They’ll next take the floor on Tuesday evening at home vs the Golden State Warriors.

The post Pelicans’ Trey Murphy injury has James Borrego answering if it’s ‘a long one’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

All signs were pointing in this direction after The Athletic’s Will Guillory took to X earlier on Monday. “Dejounte Murray says he believes tomorrow will be his first game back from his Achilles injury,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Murray has had a steady recovery, and now he’ll be bringing some much-needed guard help to the roster. Jordan Poole was just inserted back into the rotation two games ago after having several DNPs, and rookie Jeremiah Fears has taken up a bulk of the minutes as he’s been starting for most of the season.

The Pelicans will most likely bring Murray back along slowly, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if, at some point during the second half of the season, he ends up in the starting lineup. With no first-round pick for next season, the Pelicans don’t have a reason to tank, so they’re going to try to win as many games as they can. They have the talent, but they haven’t been able to put it all together this season, which is why they’re near the bottom of the Western Conference.

It’s been a good stretch of games for Zion Williamson, and this may be the healthiest he’s been in a long time. Unfortunately, Trey Murphy III has missed the past few games with an injury, but head coach James Borrego is optimistic that he won’t be out for a long period of time.

If the Pelicans can get a stretch of games where everybody is healthy, it will be interesting to see how many wins they can get before the end of the season.

The post Pelicans’ Dejounte Murray announces return from Achilles injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Queen has been one of James Borrego’s rotational mainstays amid an injury-plagued season. However, the physical toll of playing over 1000 pre-All-Star Game minutes months after some offseason rehab work is not really having an effect, yet.

“I feel good. I was just thinking about it. I forgot all about the three months I was out,” shared Queen. “I actually woke up in the middle of the night thinking about it. I’m just excited for the opportunity to showcase (down the stretch).”

The excitement of finally being on the floor, of finally getting the chance to prove himself in the league, has completely overshadowed the memory of the downtime. When asked to pinpoint his favorite moment so far, the play that encapsulates some joy in a losing season, Queen didn’t pick a poster highlight or a career-high scoring night. Instead, the rookie chose a moment of pure basketball intellect.

“When we played Portland, at halftime we were talking about the kicks and how we ain’t got to take an extra dribble,” Queen explained. “The kicks are open, and they were pressuring us on the side. I got the ball, took one dribble, then swung it to (Saddiq Bey), and he made the three. That was a nice pass.”

In a league often obsessed with dunks and isolation scoring, Queen’s favorite play was a simple swing pass that resulted in a three-pointer. It was a play born from a halftime adjustment. That alone is something that is encouraging to the Pelicans. Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver made an investment in someone who appreciates playing the game the right way.

Between the midnight revelations about his own resilience and the satisfaction he finds in making the right read at the right moment, Queen appears to be settling into his rookie season with a quiet confidence. The minutes are piling up, the lessons are accumulating, and for now, the Maryland alum is just excited for the opportunities to come, one sleepless night at a time.

The post Why Pelicans’ Derik Queen woke up ‘excited’ for All-Rookie opportunitiy amid grueling season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Following a dominant 126-111 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, Pelicans rookie Derik Queen decided to give 17-year veteran DeAndre Jordan a taste of his own medicine. Jordan, who made a rare start after appearing in just two games all season, was in the middle of a postgame interview when Queen “hijacked” the mic with a hilarious jab.

“So how does it feel not playing since November, and getting us a win tonight?” Queen joked, poking fun at the veteran’s 52-game stretch of DNPs (Did Not Play).

"So how does it feel not playing since November, and getting us a win tonight?"

Derik Queen had jokes as he hijacked DeAndre Jordan's postgame interview

(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/pewzSxQ277

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 22, 2026

While Queen had the jokes, Jordan had the last laugh on the court. With the Pelicans missing several key rotational pieces, head coach James Borrego turned to the 37-year-old center to anchor the defense.

Jordan responded with a vintage performance, grabbing 15 rebounds and swatting four blocks in 32 minutes of action. Jordan also chipped in six points, proving he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.

The Pelicans took control in the second half, outscoring Philadelphia 60-35 over the final 21 minutes. Jordan Poole led the offensive charge with 23 points and five 3-pointers, while Zion Williamson added 21 points of his own. Saddiq Bey also came up big with 20 points, helping the Pelicans snap a losing streak and move to 16-42 on the year. 

For the Philadelphia 76ers, who played without the injured Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey’s 27 points weren’t enough to prevent a fourth straight loss.

The chemistry between Queen and Jordan highlights why the Pelicans brought the veteran in—not just for his rim protection, but for the culture. If Queen is comfortable enough to roast a legend on live TV, the vibes in the New Orleans locker room are clearly trending in the right direction.

The post Pelicans’ Derik Queen has jokes for DeAndre Jordan after win over 76ers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Trey Murphy III injury status vs. Bucks

Given that Trey Murphy III is doubtful on the injury report, the chances of him playing against the Bucks are slim. This will only be his fifth-missed game this season, as Murphy has been incredibly durable throughout the 2025-26 campaign.

Both the Pelicans and Bucks are struggling this year. New Orleans is ranked 14th in the Western Conference, while Milwaukee is in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. The last time these two teams faced off was on February 4. The Pelicans experienced a 141-137 loss in that contest. Trey Murphy III led the way for his team, recording 44 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals.

Despite the lackluster season for the club, Murphy has been one of the most consistent players on the roster. He is arguably the best player on the team, as his abilities as a two-way player help the Pelicans on both ends of the court. Through the 52 games he has played, Trey Murphy III is averaging 22.1 points (career-high), 5.7 rebounds (career-high), 3.8 assists (career-high), and 1.5 steals (career-high) per game. He’s also shooting 47.6% from the floor and 37.8% from beyond the three-point line.

So, the Pelicans will be without Trey Murphy III, one of their best players, on Friday when they take on the Bucks in New Orleans.

Pelicans injury report

Trey Murphy III – Doubtful: Shoulder; Contusion
Yves Missi – Out: Left Calf; Strain
Dejounte Murray – Out: Right Achilles; Rupture
Micah Peavy – Out: Right Great Toe; Sprain
Hunter Diconson – Out: G League – Two-Way
Trey Alexander – Out: G League – Two-Way

Bucks injury report

Giannis Antetokounmpo – Out: Right Calf; Sprain
Myles Turner – Out: Right Calf; Sprain
Taurean Prince – Out: Neck; Surgery
Alex Antetokounmpo – Out: G League – Two-Way

The post Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III to miss Bucks showdown with shoulder injury appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Williamson has appeared in 40 games this season and is in the midst of a 30‑game streak without missing a contest. If he suits up against the Bucks, that run will reach 31 straight games. His sustained availability has reshaped the conversation around the salary guarantees embedded in his contract.

The Stein Line’s Marc Stein pointed out the durability achievement Thursday on X (formerly known as Twitter), emphasizing how sharply this season contrasts with last year.

“If Zion Williamson plays Friday against Milwaukee, it will be his 31st consecutive game without a miss for the Pelicans.

Williamson appeared in 30 games total last season.”

Stein noted that the sixth-year veteran has already surpassed last season’s total appearances. That consistency places him one game away from a significant contractual trigger.

The Third Apron’s Yossi Gozlan later expanded on Stein’s report on the platform, explaining how Friday’s Pelicans vs. Bucks contest could secure substantial guaranteed money.

“Zion Williamson is also set to have $16.9 million (40 percent) of his 2026-27 salary guaranteed by suiting up for his 41st game of the season tomorrow.

He’d get an additional $8.4 million (20 percent) if he plays in 51 games and another if he plays in 61 games.”

Gozlan’s breakdown details the structure of Williamson’s contract, which ties portions of his 2026-27 salary to specific games-played thresholds. By reaching 41 games, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft would secure roughly 40 percent of that season’s base salary.

Reaching 51 and 61 games would trigger additional guarantees worth millions more if he stays healthy. For the Pelicans, who sit 14th in the Western Conference standings, that durability provides stability and long-term clarity while increasing their future financial commitment.

Friday’s showdown therefore carries weight beyond the standings. It represents a pivotal checkpoint in Williamson’s season, blending performance, health, and long-term salary security into one appearance.

The post The $16.9 million boost Pelicans’ Zion Williamson is about to get from playing vs. Bucks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“He’s really f**king good,” Murphy said. “Sorry to curse, but he’s really f**king good. As much as I talk s**t about him, I try to uplift him as well because what he’s doing is really special. It’s really dope.”

The No. 13 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Pelicans almost didn’t end up getting up the opportunity to draft Derik Queen. Queen was part of a draft-day trade involving the Atlanta Hawks in which the Pelicans acquired a second lottery pick which they used to select the Maryland big man.

The trade came at a heavy price too. It cost the Pelicans their own first round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, a draft that is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. The Pelicans are on pace to get a top-five pick in the upcoming draft. That pick will be conveyed to the Hawks, giving Atlanta the chance to grab a potential franchise-altering talent in a deep draft pool.

But if Queen continues his present trajectory, then maybe the gamble was worth it for the Pelicans. He’s appeared in 55 games, including 43 starts, at just about 26 minutes per game. He’s been averaging 12.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.0 steals with splits of 49.1 percent shooting from the field, 27.8 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 77.7 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

While the Pelicans have had quite a few disappointing seasons as of late, they appear to have two solid building blocks in Queen and fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears. Fears was also selected to participate in the Rising Stars competition.

The post Trey Murphy III can’t help but repeat how ‘really f**king good’ Derik Queen is appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Queen was named as one of the participants in the Rising Stars at All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. It is a cool accomplishment for the 21-year-old center, as the NBA acknowledged his hard work and talent.

While Queen has definitely held his own against veterans, he admitted that his welcome-to-the-NBA moments were against two established big men.

“I got cooked twice. By Embiid and AD (Anthony Davis),” said Queen in a video posted by Yahoo! Sports.

NBA's Rising Stars share their "Welcome to the league" moments pic.twitter.com/xZ0oxtOUMC

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 14, 2026

Queen did not specify a play where he was embarrassed by Embiid, but it was definitely fresh in his mind, as the Pelicans and the 76ers faced each other just on February 1.

Queen had nine points on 3-of-8 shooting, six rebounds, and two assists. Embiid, on the other hand, had a game-high 40 points on 13-of-27 shooting, 11 points, four assists, and two blocks.

The Pelicans and the Mavericks have battled three times this season, with Davis suiting up only once, scoring a game-high 35 points on 16-of-28 shooting. He also tallied 17 rebounds and two assists. Queen was not too shabby with 19 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals.

The Atlanta Hawks selected Queen, who starred for Maryland, as the 13th overall pick. He was traded to the Pelicans on draft day in exchange for Asa Newell and a first-round pick.

The post Pelicans’ Derik Queen reveals ‘Welcome to NBA’ moment courtesy of Joel Embiid appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Appearing Thursday on NBA Today, ESPN insider Shams Charania said expansion discussions are “top of mind” for the league’s Board of Governors, with a March meeting expected to provide further financial clarity.

“This is top of mind for the Board of Governors and the NBA owners because this is big business potentially,” Charania said. “And I’m told there is a Board of Governors meeting in March where the expectation is there’s going to be some more information, financials on what it looks like when you go get a couple more expansion teams potentially. What it means for the rest of the league? How much are the valuations for those two teams going to be? What does the league layout look like? And then potentially in the summer as 2026 goes on, have a potential determination.”

Seattle, Las Vegas expansion push could force NBA realignment decision

Charania added that Seattle and Las Vegas are widely viewed as the frontrunners for expansion franchises. Should both cities land teams, the league would likely need to shift one current Western Conference franchise to the Eastern Conference to maintain balance.

“My understanding is Seattle and Las Vegas are the frontrunners for expansions teams and from there a Western Conference team moving to the Eastern Conference,” Charania said. “So, you think about teams in that region, right? Memphis, Minnesota, New Orleans. Could one of those teams potentially move to the Eastern Conference? These are conversations that will be picking up as 2026 goes on. This is still a few years away from actually taking place as far as these expansion teams being put forth for the public.”

“Seattle and Las Vegas are the frontrunners for expansion teams. From there, a Western Conference team moving to the Eastern Conference… Memphis, Minnesota, New Orleans,?”

— Shams Charania on the potential expansion around the NBA in the upcoming years pic.twitter.com/oTIsvvNz0E

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 12, 2026

Among the candidates, the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans are frequently mentioned due to geography. Memphis enters the weekend’s All-Star festivities at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles with a 20-33 record, sitting 11th in the Western Conference after trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz at the deadline in what signaled the beginning of a rebuild.

New Orleans is 15-41 and 14th in the West, also navigating a transitional period. Minnesota, meanwhile, stands at 34-22 as the fifth seed and is coming off consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances, positioning itself as a contender that could benefit competitively from an Eastern Conference alignment.

While expansion remains years away from implementation, the NBA’s long-term structure is clearly under evaluation as financial projections and competitive considerations take center stage.

The post NBA rumors: Which teams could move to Eastern Conference after league expansion? appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Sadly, that ascension came to a screeching halt vs. the Heat as Murphy III suffered a shoulder injury in the second half. Not long after heading to the locker room, he was ruled out for the rest of the game, per The Athletic’s Will Guillory.

Before going down with the injury, Murphy III posted 19 points on 7-for-15 shooting. He chipped in with six assists, four rebounds, and two triples.

Ultimately, the Pelicans lost once again, this time 123-111. Zion Williamson scored a team-high 25 points on an efficient 12-for-19 from the floor.

While most fans in New Orleans have been waiting for Williamson to ascend, it has been the former first-round pick of the Memphis Grizzlies who has taken a giant leap forward.

Murphy III is posting career-highs almost across the board this season. His 22.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and a very impressive 1.5 steals per game are all the best of his career. He is shooting 48% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc, near career-highs.

But the Pelicans’ biggest problem has been their inability to stop others. New Orleans allows more than 120 points per game, 26th in the NBA. They rank even worse defending the perimeter, allowing 41.1% from downtown (29th in the league).

But barring some bad luck at the NBA Draft Lottery, the Pelicans ought to improve next season.

The post Pelicans’ star Trey Murphy III suffers shoulder injury, ruled out vs. Heat appeared first on ClutchPoints.

According to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, Chicago held strong interest in the 21-year-old center and attempted to structure a deal on deadline day using multiple second-round picks it had previously acquired. However, New Orleans was unwilling to move Missi without receiving a first-round pick in return.

“Missi was another heavily discussed center this trade cycle, with the Chicago Bulls holding strong interest in him,” Siegel wrote. “Although Chicago attempted to trade for Missi on the day of the trade deadline, utilizing several second-round picks they had acquired, the Pelicans were not open to trading the young center unless they were to receive a first-round pick, sources said.”

Pelicans hold firm on first-round price as Yves Missi remains future trade target

As a result, no deal materialized. Siegel added that Missi is expected to remain a prominent trade target closer to the 2026 NBA Draft, as the Pelicans are seeking to recoup a first-round selection in this year’s draft cycle.

Missi is in his second NBA season and has seen a shift in role. He is averaging 5.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 53.8% from the field across 47 appearances, including seven starts. He is logging 19.3 minutes per contest after averaging 26.8 minutes and starting 67 games during his rookie campaign.

Chicago enters Wednesday at 24-30 and sits 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. The Bulls are looking to snap a five-game losing streak when they visit the Boston Celtics at 7:30 p.m. ET before the league pauses for All-Star Weekend at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

New Orleans, 15-40 and 14th in the Western Conference, carries a two-game winning streak into Wednesday’s home matchup against the Miami Heat at 8 p.m. ET.

The post NBA rumors: Why Bulls failed to pull off Yves Missi trade with Pelicans appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Murphy III currently ranks 11th in the league in three-point percentage, shooting 38 percent from beyond the arc. The Pelicans guard is also sixth in the league among players who attempt at least eight three-pointers a game.

And yet, Murphy III will not participate in the Saturday night contest.

After the Pelicans’ 120-94 victory over the Sacramento Kings Monday night, Murphy III was asked about not being named a contestant.

“I would’ve participated if I was invited, for sure,” Trey Murphy III said during his postgame media availability Monday night.

“Do you see it as a snub?” one reporter asked.

“I’ll let you guys be the judge of that,” Murphy III responded with a grin.

This season, Murphy III has also made 166 three-pointers, which is the sixth most among all players this season. Aside from that, the Pelicans forward is averaging career highs across the board with 22.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 3.3 three-pointers made per game in 35.8 minutes of action.

I got the same approach every day as getting better and play my game. At some point, it’ll be recognized that I’m one of the better shooters in the league. Until then, it is what it is. I’m going to keep working on my game, going to keep shooting the ball like I have been. Not being in the Three-Point Contest isn’t going to ruin my day, but it is something I definitely saw and wasn’t the biggest fan of.”

Trey Murphy on the 3-point contest:

"I would've participated if I was invited." pic.twitter.com/mrDWC47si3

— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) February 10, 2026

Despite Murphy III’s career year, the Pelicans have struggled one of the worst teams in the NBA. Entering Tuesday, February 10th, the Pelicans have the third worst record in the NBA at 15-40, ahead of only the Indiana Pacers and the Sacramento Kings.

The post Pelicans’ Trey Murphy gets real on 3-Point Contest snub appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Derailed before it could begin

The Pelicans’ 2025–26 campaign has been a harrowing exercise in “what could have been.” It has been defined by early-season upheaval and a devastating string of injuries. The tone was set just weeks into the season when head coach Willie Green was dismissed following a dismal 2-10 start. That forced associate coach James Borrego into the interim lead role.

Any hope of stabilizing the campaign quickly unraveled.

The roster’s health became the defining storyline. Star acquisition Dejounte Murray suffered a ruptured Achilles in early January. That wiped out his season before it could meaningfully begin. Meanwhile, franchise cornerstone Zion Williamson has been limited to just 38 games. This continuing the frustrating availability narrative that has shadowed his otherwise dominant production.

Without continuity, New Orleans has struggled to build any defensive cohesion. They currently surrender 120.9 points per game. That’s one of the worst marks in the league. The result: a 14-40 record and a residence near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

Youth flashes, collective gloom

Yet even in the wreckage, there have been developmental silver linings. Trey Murphy III has emerged as the franchise’s most reliable offensive engine. He currently lead the team in scoring at 22.2 points per game while expanding his shot-creation responsibilities. His evolution from elite spacer to primary option has been one of the few stabilizing elements in an otherwise volatile season. Saddiq Bey has also carved out a meaningful role. That includes a recent 30-point eruption against Minnesota that underscored his microwave scoring value.

The Pelicans have further leaned into youth development. They have granted heavy minutes to first-round additions Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Both have shown flashes of rotational upside. However, their learning curves have played out in real time amid losses.

Still, as the deadline passed, the remainder of the season feels less like a playoff push and more like a quiet countdown to lottery positioning. Draft complications have made this situation bittersweet.

Franchise boxed in

Entering February 5, the Pelicans sat 14th in the Western Conference. Their structural challenges extended beyond the standings. Financially, the roster is heavily burdened:

Jordan Poole: $31.8 million

Dejounte Murray: $30.8 million

That’s over $60 million tied to players providing little to no on-court value this season-Poole out of the rotation, Murray sidelined entirely.

Flexibility was minimal. Trade leverage, even less.

The draft dilemma

Compounding matters, New Orleans does not control its 2026 first-round pick. It belongs to Atlanta via the Murray trade.

This creates a brutal paradox:

• No incentive to tank
• No capacity to win

A franchise losing games without gaining draft reward is the definition of strategic purgatory.

Big mistake

Against this backdrop, the Pelicans’ deadline approach can be summarized in a single statement:

Too much deliberation is hesitation.

While 27 other teams combined for a record-setting 28 trades during deadline week, New Orleans executed exactly one move. And it raised more questions than answers.

Jose Alvarado “fleece”

The Pelicans’ lone transaction sent Jose Alvarado to the New York Knicks. Alvarado wasn’t just a backup guard, though. He was the team’s emotional thermostat, defensive disruptor, and cultural tone-setter.

New Orleans received: Dalen Terry, Two second-round picks

On paper, modest. In reality, underwhelming.

The 2026 pick is the least favorable among Orlando, Milwaukee, and Detroit. The 2027 pick is the second-most favorable among a cluster of playoff-bound teams. In short, the Pelicans received low-upside draft currency.

Here’s the twist, though — within 24 hours, the Pelicans waived Dalen Terry to open a roster spot for Bryce McGowens. Effectively, the franchise traded its locker-room heartbeat for two marginal second-rounders and a player it never intended to keep. From both competitive and cultural lenses, the optics were brutal.

Failure to liquidate

More damaging than the Alvarado trade itself was what didn’t follow. Despite owning one of the league’s worst records, New Orleans declined to move higher-value veterans.

Herb Jones

League-wide interest in Jones’ defensive versatility was significant. Contenders viewed him as a plug-and-play playoff stopper. The Pelicans, however, held firm.

Trey Murphy III

Just one day before the deadline, Murphy detonated for 44 points, drilling a franchise-record 12 threes. His trade value had arguably never been higher. Yet New Orleans chose retention over asset maximization. They kept an ascending wing on a 13-win roster with unclear competitive timelines.

Jordan Poole

Perhaps the most immovable contract on the books, Poole was reportedly removed from the rotation to facilitate trade discussions. Still, no market materialized. His salary, production volatility, and long-term financial weight made deals untenable. Now, the Pelicans’ inability to attach assets and offload the contract leaves them stuck in cap gridlock moving forward.

Directionless rebuilding

The collective result of these non-moves is organizational ambiguity.

New Orleans is:

• Too injured to compete
• Too asset-poor to rebuild cleanly
• Too financially burdened to pivot quickly

Trading Alvarado without moving larger contracts or high-value wings created the illusion of action without structural change.

Perhaps the most overlooked element of the deadline was cultural erosion.

Alvarado represented effort, accountability, and emotional connectivity. Those intangibles remain critical for young locker rooms navigating losing seasons. Removing that presence for marginal draft compensation risks developmental stagnation as much as on-court regression.

Deadline solved nothing

The Pelicans didn’t make a catastrophic blockbuster mistake. They made a quieter one.

By trading Jose Alvarado for minimal return while failing to liquidate meaningful assets, New Orleans exited the deadline exactly where they entered it: injured, asset-light, and directionless.

For a team like this, clarity matters more than caution. The Pelicans chose caution. In doing so, may have delayed the reset they desperately needed.

The post Pelicans’ biggest 2026 NBA trade deadline mistake appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Anthony Edwards. TOO SMOOTH pic.twitter.com/1OYdNHzzyy

— Timberwolves Nation (@TWolvesNationCP) February 7, 2026

Squaring up against Bryce McGowens at the top of the key, Edwards didn’t need a complex screen or a frantic series of dribbles. He simply sized up his defender, stepped back with the kind of rhythm that makes professional basketball look like a light Sunday shootaround, and buried a three-pointer that hit nothing but net. He hardly broke a sweat as the Target Center crowd erupted, pushing the lead to six and reminding everyone why he is the face of the franchise.

The Timberwolves entered Friday night with a 32-20 record, comfortably sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference. They are looking to secure a regular-season sweep of a struggling New Orleans Pelicans squad that is currently 13-40 and missing key pieces like Dejounte Murray.

Minnesota has all the momentum right now, especially after a wild trade deadline that saw it land guard Ayo Dosunmu and forward Julian Phillips from the Chicago Bulls. While Dosunmu hasn’t checked in yet, his arrival signals a team that is dead serious about a deep playoff run.

By halftime, the Timberwolves had extended their lead to 70-56. Edwards led the way with 23 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting from deep, continuing the hot streak that saw him drop 30 points on Toronto earlier this week. The Pelicans are leaning heavily on Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III, but they have had no answer for Minnesota’s 48.3% shooting from the field. If Edwards keeps treating the New Orleans defense like a series of cones in a training drill, this one could get out of hand quickly.

The post Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards showcases smooth dagger vs. Pelicans appeared first on ClutchPoints.

That led to the basement dwellers eeking out three wins in the last seven games. It’s perhaps the Big Easy’s best stretch of basketball in 16 months. So, with apologies to those grumbling about a relatively quiet NBA Trade Deadline, Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver have some encouraging data to support sticking with the status quo. Borrego, who is 3-4 over the last seven games, can even be forgiven for boasting about improvements across the board.

“The defense has moved significantly,” Borrego began. “It’s more switchable. It’s more size, more physicality on the ball. I think at the point of attack, we’re just better at the point of attack. We’re more physical and aggressive there, more size on the floor. We’re more switchable, so we don’t have to stay in coverages.”

“We have four guys, if not five guys, that are switchable that can stay in front of the ball,” added Borrego. “So, we’re containing the ball more. And then I think obviously, as long as we’re not turning it over, that group’s not turning it over. So, we’re getting our half-court defense set, which allows us to guard. So, in general, more physicality, more size, more protection of the rim and the paint.”

Ball security has been paramount to the transformation, a good sign that Borrego’s schemes are starting to stick. Since implementing the new starting lineup, the Pelicans have committed just 10.1 turnovers per game (1st), a dramatic improvement from their season average of 14.1 (9th). That’s essentially one fewer mistake per quarter, and the impact extends far beyond the box score.

Pelicans protecting the nest

Those extra possessions have translated to fewer easy opportunities for opponents. New Orleans was allowing 18.2 points off turnovers per game (18th) this season. Over the last seven games, that number has plummeted to 13.9 (3rd). The benefits extend beyond ball handling. The Pelicans, traditionally a middle-of-the-pack rebounding squad at 43.7 boards per game (17th), have surged to 45.9 rebounds over the recent stretch (10th).

Rim protection has improved dramatically as well. Opponents were averaging 52.7 points in the paint (24th) against New Orleans this season, but that figure has dropped to 44.3 over the last seven games (6th). The Pelicans are now averaging 6.1 blocks per game (5th) during this stretch, a significant jump from their season mark of 4.7 (18th).

The team’s active hands have remained a constant strength. Steals were already at a top-10 level at 9.0 per game (9th) this season, and they’ve maintained that production at 9.4 (10th). Progress is apparent past the traditional stats as well. Defensive Rating saw a four-point jump from 27th (118.4) to 17th (114.3). That correlates with a ten-spot move up in Opponent Effective Field Goal Percentage, going from 56.4 (28th) to 54.4% (18th).

Whether the supersized lineup is a long-term solution remains an open question, particularly against elite shooting teams that can stretch the floor. Still, in a season searching for structure, Borrego’s commitment to size and simplicity has at least given Zion Williamson’s Pelicans a defensive baseline to build on moving forward.

The post Pelicans pointing to 7 improvements in new starting five formula appeared first on ClutchPoints.

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported the move Friday, noting that New Orleans decided to part ways with Terry shortly after the transaction became official.

“The New Orleans Pelicans are waiving guard Dalen Terry, league sources told @hoopshype,” Scotto wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The decision came as New Orleans continues to manage its salary structure. ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel provided additional context regarding the move and its financial implications.

“The Pelicans, who are $1M from the tax line, open up a roster spot by waiving Terry,” Siegel reported. “New Orleans got two second-round picks from the Knicks for him: 2026 ORL/MIL/DET (least favorable) and 2027 IND/MIA/OKC/HOU (second most favorable).”

Dalen Terry waived as Pelicans create roster and salary flexibility

Terry’s path to New Orleans was brief and indirect. The 23-year-old guard had been acquired by New York earlier in the week after the Knicks traded Guerschon Yabusele to the Chicago Bulls. New York then included Terry in the deadline deal with the Pelicans as part of a package to acquire Jose Alvarado, using Terry primarily as a salary and roster mechanism.

Now in his fourth NBA season, Terry appeared in 34 games this year and averaged 3.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 44.1 percent from the field and a career-high 41.3 percent from three-point range. He logged 11.1 minutes per contest in a limited role.

New Orleans enters the final stretch of the season focused on flexibility rather than long-term roster commitments. By waiving Terry, the Pelicans created a roster spot while remaining below the luxury tax threshold as they evaluate options for the remainder of the year.

The Pelicans sit at 13–40 and will attempt to snap a three-game losing streak Friday night when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves to close out a four-game road trip. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.

The post Pelicans waive Dalen Terry after NBA trade deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Julius Randle injury status vs Pelicans

Given that Julius Randle is questionable on the injury report, the assumption is that he will be suiting up against his former squad. Randle has been a fixture on the injury report amid trade rumors, but now that the deadline has come and passed, he’s still listed as questionable with a left thumb injury.

The Timberwolves have won five of their last six games, including victories over the defending champion Thunder and the Raptors on the road on Wednesday. The Timberwolves improved to 32-20, which is the sixth-best record in the Western Conference. Randle finished with 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists in a 128-126 victory against the Raptors.

Randle has been having one of the better seasons of his career. He’s averaging 22.1 points on a career-best 48.8% shooting, 6.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.1 steals, which is also a career-best for the 12-year veteran. In his second season with the Timberwolves, Randle has improved his averages in nearly every statistical category across the board, including points and assists.

However, the question is: Is Julius Randle playing tonight vs. the Pelicans? The answer is maybe.

Timberwolves injury report

Rob Dillingham — Out — Not with team

Leonard Miller — Out — Not with team

Julius Randle — Questionable — Left thumb soreness

Terrence Shannon Jr. — Out — Left foot; abductor hallucis strain

Pelicans injury report

Jose Alvarado — Out — Not with team

Dejounte Murray — Out — Right Achilles rupture

The post Timberwolves’ Julius Randle on injury report vs. Pelicans after not getting traded for Giannis appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Drawing from years with the San Antonio Spurs, Borrego believes complexity is not always the answer. Tongue lashing are not appropriate for the basement-dwelling Pelicans either. The K.I.S.S. method is more fitting for a team that has struggled with consistency throughout the campaign.

“Learning from (Gregg Popovich) in the San Antonio world, we tried to keep it as simple as possible back then. I still think that resonates today,” Borrego admitted. “The less complicated your schemes are, the better. What trumps all to me is physicality, aggression, keep it simple, and let players play off instinct.”

It’s a pragmatic approach for a franchise dealing with injuries and the mental challenge of playing out a disappointing season. Rather than overwhelming the locker room with elaborate schemes, Borrego wants Williamson, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears to focus on fundamental principles. The Pelicans have been plagued by careless turnovers that fuel fast breaks, putting their defense in compromising positions before it can even get organized.

“No doubt it’s holding on to the ball, not turning it over, and shot selection,” Borrego noted. “A lot of our poor shots at the rim lead to transition the other way. Whether it’s getting blocked, I know it doesn’t show up in the stat sheet as a turnover, but a bad shot at the rim that’s getting blocked is basically a turnover going the other direction. So, shot selection in the paint is massive for us. Not turning it over. If we do those two things, we’re giving ourselves a better shot in the in the half court defense. If we can get our defense set, much better.”

As the Pelicans limp toward the All-Star break, this “simple as possible” mantra is more about building momentum than chasing the last NBA Play-In Tournament spot. Borrego’s Spurs-inspired blueprint might not salvage the 2025-26 campaign, but it could be the foundation for a postseason run next season.

The remaining games are now a lab for identity. If New Orleans can close the year by valuing possessions, defending with force, and trusting simple principles, the wins may still be scarce, sure. The habits, however, are the real target.

The post Why Pelicans will play ‘as simple as possible’ to close out lost season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

For Borrego, it’s not about reverting to brutal, low-scoring slugfests, but about restoring a necessary balance that allows defenders to operate on instinct. The change back to the hand-checking days may bring back more competitive basketball in the process. When defenders are forced to defend in space for entire possessions without the ability to apply legal contact, the math tilts decisively toward the offense.

“I think when they’re not you know analyzing, and (suffering from) paralysis by analysis, when they can just go be instinctive and use their god-given abilities and force and aggression, you have a better chance to guard in this league today,” Borrego noted. “The league is probably allowing us to guard a little bit more with our hands, and I think that’s a good thing.”

Borrego’s philosophy isn’t just nostalgia; it’s pragmatic. Today’s offenses feature endless ball movement, off-ball screens, and spacing that exploits any hesitation. Without the ability to use their hands or bodies more assertively, defenders are indecisive. That leaves a team dead on arrival at the NBA level.

“With the amount of movement offensively in the space, if we don’t allow that (physical play), we’re going to see 150 plus (points) every night,” admitted Borredo. “So, we have to defend with our hands, with our physicality, bodies in front of bodies, which is similar to how it was back in the day. Now, you just got to do it for more possessions and with, you know, more speed probably.”

This does not mean eliminating freedom of movement, but recalibrating it. It’s about permitting defenders to use their strength and instincts to stay in front of offensive marvels, fostering a more balanced, physically demanding, and strategically nuanced contest. In Borrego’s view, allowing this defensive revival is essential not to stifle offense, but to restore the competitive tension that makes the game truly compelling.

It might even help the Pelicans earn a few more wins this season.

The post Why Pelicans’ James Borrego believes NBA’s old school defensive rules should return appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The All-Star’s bulk is best used on the low block or as a help defender, not a point of attack aggressor, so James Borrego is bringing back Bully Ball to the Big Easy. Bigger bodies from one through five reduce the burden on Williamson to be a backline eraser, allowing the point forward to conserve energy for offense while still fitting within a coherent, effective defensive scheme. That’s why Saddiq Bey, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Saddiq Bey should get used to the current setup.

“Well, I think part of it is we’ve added a little more size to the lineup,” Borrego noted. “We’ve slowly but surely been making progress in this area, but you know, I think the board, we’ve been putting attention on the board.”

The shift represents a philosophical change for a team that has struggled to find its defensive identity. Borrego has made it clear that the Pelicans cannot compete for relevance without a dramatic improvement on defense, which includes rebounds to finish possessions. New Orleans has gotten better lately, going from 43.9 rebounds per game  (17th) this season to 45.9 (10th) since moving to the bigger starting lineup.

“Physicality number one in the half court. Just being more handsy, physical, and aggressive at the expense of fouls, too. We’re trying to turn this thing through our physicality,” explained Borrego. “So, as I’ve shared with our guys, to be a relevant team in this league, you have to defend. There’s not a relevant team that’s going to be 28th, 29th, or 30th in the league defensively. Just not going to happen.”

Emphasizing length and muscle complements Williamson’s game while addressing the team’s defensive deficiencies. By surrounding the point forward with larger, more physical players, the Pelicans aim to control the glass and establish a more intimidating presence in the paint.

“The teams that have made progress from even two years ago, one year ago, have done it through the defensive lens,” Borrego noted. “We as an organization have to find a defensive identity to move this thing forward. And that’s the goal here. Our guys understand it, we value it, and moving forward, we’ve got to see and demand that defense is the priority.”

Borrego’s willingness to accept more fouls as a trade-off for increased physicality signals a fundamental shift in approach. Rather than playing cautious defense, the Pelicans are embracing a more aggressive mentality that prioritizes disruption and toughness. It’s the first step to turning around a stagnant culture that seems comfortable settling for NBA Play-In Tournament appearances.

The post Why Pelicans will size up to balance defensive scales around Zion Williamson appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Speaking about how the modern game has transformed, Borrego highlighted the most critical adjustment for the next generation of Pelicans.

“I think significantly, you know, from when I came in the league 20 plus years ago to 10 years ago,” Borrego began. “Number one, possessions are up. Plays are less scripted. Guys have to make decisions on the fly and multiple decisions. So, there are more decisions to be made within a game because of the possessions, and then there is more action within a play.”

Borrego’s analysis cuts to the heart of the modern NBA’s toughest challenge. It is no longer sufficient to simply execute a pre-ordained, coached-up set. The increase in possessions and pace has shattered rigid, scripted basketball. Every second of the shot clock is now filled with dynamic movement, read-and-react situations, and spontaneous creation. Every second presents multiple forks in the road, and the players who can process these options fastest will define basketball’s future.

Perhaps the most profound change Borrego identifies is the death of specialization.

“It’s not just a scripted come-down and run a pick and roll,” Borrego explained. “There’s a lot of movement to the game right now, and then multiple guys that can dribble, pass, and shoot. The days of just having one or two shooters on the floor are really gone. You’ve got to account for multiple shooters, more space on the floor, but the biggest thing to me is the amount of decisions players have to make on the fly. That’s the biggest thing.”

Borrego stressed that games are won between the ears as much as they are with the feet and hands. As things stand now, though, the last-placed Pelicans will have a few months to process how they’ll attack next season after standing relatively pat at the NBA Trade Deadline. The path forward is not just about adding talent or a new coach tightening rotations. It’s about accelerating how quickly its young players see the floor, process advantages, and act decisively.

In today’s NBA, the physical tools get you on the court. The ability to make the right decision again and again, possession after possession, is what will keep Yves Missi, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears in the NBA All-Star weekend conversation.

The post Pelicans’ James Borrego pinpoints ‘biggest thing’ for Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen’s growth appeared first on ClutchPoints.

As for the New York Knicks, they’re currently the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, and though it seems like they have everything they need, you can always get better. That’s why they made the move to acquire Jose Alvarado from the New Orleans Pelicans in return for Dalen Terry, two second-round picks, and cash.

For the Pelicans, this deadline seems to be quiet for them, and it has been assumed that they weren’t going to make any big moves, even though they don’t have their 2026 first-round pick.

Let’s evaluate what this trade does for both teams.

Knicks get a high-energy guard in Jose Alvarado

Alvarado has made a name for himself throughout the league and is known as “Grand Theft Alvarado” for his intensity on both sides of the ball. On defense, he’s giving up a few inches, but you couldn’t tell by the way he plays. He makes it up by being sneaky and stealing the ball when you least expect it, which he has been very successful at through his career.

On offense, he fits in wherever he needs to, and has shot the three-ball at a consistent rate (36%) this season.

If you look at what Alvarado has done for the Pelicans, he has similar traits to what Josh Hart does for the Knicks. That’s good news for the Knicks, as they have two players who play bigger than they are and are willing to get their hands dirty.

With the news that Miles McBride is set to undergo surgery and could be out until the playoffs, this was a good move for the Knicks, and he should be a good fit for the team for the rest of the season.

Knicks trade grade: A-

Pelicans gain assets for future, plus young role player

For a team that doesn’t have a first-round pick and is at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the Pelicans have been quiet. With the Alvarado trade, they were able to get picks and cash in return, which helps them for the future, and no one knows at this moment what that will look like.

Terry was just traded by the Chicago Bulls to the Knicks for Guerschon Yabusele, and it seems as if they didn’t plan on keeping him. He’ll now be headed to the Pelicans, where there is a chance he could see some minutes coming off the bench. Defensively is where he has shown the most flashes, as he’s good at deflecting the ball and can guard several positions on the floor.

With this move, the Pelicans were able to get some picks to work with in the future, and a player who will be nice depth with Alvarado gone.

Pelicans trade grade: B 

The post Knicks, Pelicans trade grades for Jose Alvarado deal appeared first on ClutchPoints.

While many can debate the merits of keeping this same roster together amid a 13-39 season where they won’t even be reaping the draft rewards of their own putridity, every now and then, the Pelicans pull off something that lends credence to the belief the front office has in this core.

On Wednesday night, in the third quarter of the Pelicans’ tussle against the Milwaukee Bucks, Williamson was bringing the ball up in semi-transition. He then crossed up AJ Green before going up for a double-clutch, two-hand throwdown where he had to evade a late block attempt from Myles Turner.

Zion Williamson evades everyone for the JAM pic.twitter.com/Hxrh4rEZeE

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 5, 2026

At present, the Pelicans have a few identity issues to sort through. The emergence of young players such as Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears has forced New Orleans to rethink just how Williamson-centric they must play. But it’s these kinds of plays from Williamson that fuels the hope, or perhaps the delusion, that the Pelicans aren’t far off from competing.

Are the Pelicans primed for a quick turnaround?

The Pelicans certainly have some talent at their disposal, and some can argue rather easily that keeping them together for continuity purposes could bear so much fruit in the near future. Moreover, they still have Dejounte Murray coming back from an Achilles injury, so there is even more talent on this roster than is currently present on the hardwood.

However, the Pelicans have to sort out their defensive problems, and they may have to package a few of their players to consolidate some talent to avoid running into logjams.

The post Pelicans’ Zion Williamson destroys Bucks’ defense in absolutely wild rack attack appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Despite occupying the Western Conference cellar for most of the season, the Pelicans (13-39) have resisted making any discounted deals. Dumars has set prices and, by all accounts, has not wasted much time in the bargaining stage. Even offers for Jose Alvarado’s expiring contract have been rebuffed, per reports. Jones, Murphy III, Williamson, and Saddiq Bey all started against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Still, Borrego has worked to insulate the Pelicans from the swirling speculation using an old mantra from Bill Belichick.

“Just do your job, you know, try to keep it as simple as possible,” Borrego explained. “Don’t overthink it. You know it’s out there, probably more so than ever with social media now. When I first came into the league, there were whispers, but not at your fingertips with the phone and all that. It’s changed so much. There are so many rumors out there; just focus on the job. Keep it as simple as possible. Business as usual. It’s understanding that they’re human beings, you know, all these players. So, our goal is to just do our job tonight and move on from there.”

The subtext is unmistakable. In an era where trade rumors are algorithmically amplified, the Pelicans must actively manage expectations. There’s also a strategic dimension. By not making a splashy deadline move, the front office preserves some options.

Team-friendly deals for Murphy III and Jones retain their value into the offseason. Williamson’s long-term equity is better protected if he’s framed as part of a functioning on-court product rather than a distressed asset. Even Alvarado’s expiring contract can be leveraged later via sign-and-trade mechanics or cap flexibility, depending on how the summer market materializes.

Whether this approach pays dividends in the win column is secondary to the cultural signal being sent. The Pelicans are not just playing out the season. They are prioritizing continuity, competitive habits, and internal evaluation under real-game conditions. For Borrego, that means maintaining a steady operational cadence while the rest of the league deals with NBA Trade Deadline chaos.

In practical terms, Joe Dumars and GM Troy Weaver are betting that short-term stability over the next few months has long-term value for the next few years.

The post James Borrego’s Pelicans using Bill Belichick mantra to handle NBA Trade Deadline drama appeared first on ClutchPoints.

One of them is Jose Alvarado, and it seems as if the New York Knicks have interest in him. Unfortunately for them, there’s somebody who is holding up the trade, according to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points.

“They still want Jose Alvarado, that is a very real possibility… but the Pelicans do not want to take on Guerschon Yabusele’s contract,” Siegel said on Clutch Scoops.

Yabusele is on a two-year, $11 million deal with a player option for the second year. The Pelicans may think that Yabusele is going to accept his player option, which means he’ll still be on their books if they trade for him.

If the Pelicans don’t decide to trade Alvardo, then there is a good chance that they stand pat past the deadline. The latest report from Brett Siegel of Clutch Points is that teams are not sure what the strategy is for the Pelicans.

“Teams around the NBA have been extremely confused with the Pelicans’ approach to this trade season, especially since they never really considered any offers coming their way for Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones,” Siegel wrote. “Both players have been highly pursued by several playoff-contending teams, and sources said NOLA received offers that included multiple first-round picks for Murphy and Jones.”

The Pelicans don’t have their own first-round pick for the upcoming draft, so it would be beneficial for them to try to get some assets in return for players such as Murphy and Jones. The sense around the team is that they have a playoff roster, but they need the right coach to help them.

The post Pelicans rumors: Guerschon Yabusele holding up Jose Alvarado trade with Knicks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported Tuesday that multiple teams have struggled to understand New Orleans’ strategy, particularly given the level of interest in two of its most valuable wings.

“Teams around the NBA have been extremely confused with the Pelicans’ approach to this trade season, especially since they never really considered any offers coming their way for Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones,” Siegel wrote. “Both players have been highly pursued by several playoff-contending teams, and sources said NOLA received offers that included multiple first-round picks for Murphy and Jones.”

According to Siegel, New Orleans appears prepared to maintain its asking prices through the deadline, even if that results in no transactions.

“There is a very real possibility the Pelicans stick to their asking prices for all of their players through Thursday’s deadline and don’t make any moves,” Siegel added, calling such an outcome “extremely puzzling for a team at the bottom of the standings with several players holding real trade value.”

The Pelicans currently sit 14th in the Western Conference standings following a two-game losing streak capped by Monday’s 102-95 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Despite their position, league perception suggests New Orleans remains committed to its current core.

Murphy, 25, is in the midst of a career season after breaking out a year ago. He is averaging 21.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range. He has logged 35.8 minutes per game across 48 appearances, emerging as one of the league’s more versatile scoring wings.

Pelicans refuse to pivot despite mounting trade deadline pressure

Jones, 27, has continued to provide elite defensive value while posting more modest offensive numbers. He is averaging 9.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 39.8 percent from the field and 32 percent from three across 29 games in 28.5 minutes per contest.

Additional skepticism surrounding the Pelicans’ direction surfaced Tuesday in commentary from Matt Moore of Hardwood Paroxysm, who questioned the logic of holding onto prime-aged veterans during a prolonged rebuild. Moore characterized the franchise as overly optimistic, noting that New Orleans traded an unprotected first-round pick last summer in a deal that yielded rookie Derik Queen, while continuing to signal confidence in its existing roster.

Moore pointed to the Pelicans’ current record and efficiency metrics, arguing that the team is several years away from legitimate contention. He suggested that retaining Murphy and Jones through that timeline risks diminishing their trade value while delaying a clearer organizational reset.

Despite the criticism, league sources cited by Moore indicated the Pelicans believe they possess a playoff-caliber roster that has yet to be unlocked through coaching and development. That belief appears to be driving their reluctance to move Murphy or Jones, even amid significant interest.

As Thursday’s deadline approaches, New Orleans remains one of the league’s biggest wild cards. Whether the Pelicans ultimately stand pat or make a late move, their handling of Murphy and Jones has already left rivals searching for clarity on the franchise’s long-term vision.

The post NBA rumors: Pelicans leaving rivals baffled with trade deadline strategy appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Fears was all smiles when talking about the payoff recently.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Fears began. “I came in in July and that was one of the goals, that and just help our team, do all we can to kind of put ourselves in a position like this to be (in the NBA Rising Stars game). So it’s super exciting. The feeling and emotion hadn’t really kicked in yet. I’m pretty sure it will once we get out there and step on the court for the first time but super excited for sure.”

As for his game plan on the court, Fears emphasizes enjoyment over everything else. The Rising Stars format, which pits top rookies and sophomores against each other in a mini-tournament, offers a low-stakes environment to showcase skills. Fears intends to make the most of it, especially with a familiar face on the opposing side.

“Just going out there and having fun, playing against DQ a little bit, and showing everyone what we’re capable of…continue to enjoy every single second, every single moment, and take all of it in,” explained Fears. “We know we’ll be there (in the NBA All-Star Game) in a couple of years.”

That “DQ” refers to fellow Pelicans rookie Derik Queen, who also received an invite. Sharing the experience with a teammate from the same draft class adds a special layer to the weekend for Fears. It’s a testament to their quick integration into the team and the support from veterans.

“It feels really good. Two rookies came in the same class and our teammates believed in us,” noted Fears. “They did a really good thing in getting us here as well…We’re really excited to get out there and show everyone what we are capable of.”

However, the duo won’t be teaming up in the game; Queen landed on the opposite squad.

Pelicans risk friendly fire

Fears takes it in stride, viewing it as an opportunity to amp up the entertainment value. While they’ll compete fiercely during the event, their bond remains unbreakable.

“It is what it is,” Fears shrugged. “We can’t control it…we are definitely going to go at each other and compete. At the end of the day, once All-Star weekend is over, we’re going to get back on the same page and we’ll be family again. If we’re on opposite teams, we’ve got to go at each other and make it fun. Give the fans something to laugh about and actually be excited about.”

Interim head coach James Borrego echoes the pride surrounding the rookies’ achievements. Under his guidance, Fears and Queen have thrived.

“Proud of them, they’ve got a great start to bright futures,” Borrego began. “Their best days are in front of them, but they made the most of their opportunity. They deserve it; they belong there. I’m thrilled for them, and they are going to do great. Congrats to them and their families. That’s a big deal no matter where you are drafted or undrafted. To make that (NBA Rising Stars) game is a major accomplishment.”

For Fears, All-Star Weekend isn’t just a celebration…it’s a stepping stone. His mapped-out approach blends gratitude, competitiveness, and forward-thinking ambition. And if his confidence holds in a new role, a full All-Star nod might not be far off.

The post How Pelicans’ Jeremiah Fears mapped plans for Derik Queen’s NBA All-Star weekend appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Initially, Queen was humble when talking about the honor.

“To compete and be part of All-Star weekend has always been a dream of mine,” began Queen. “Being part of All-Star whatever, three-point, just being there should be fun…I’m just excited to compete.”

Then one childhood moment sparked the competitive fire right back up.

“The Slam Dunk Contest,” Queen smiled, “with Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine.”

That iconic 2016 showdown between Gordon and LaVine is widely regarded as one of the greatest dunk contests in NBA history. Fast-forward to the present, and Queen’s drive shifts to a more immediate, personal challenge.

“I’m going to try and guard (Jeremiah Fears) and hopefully he tries to guard me,” Queen stated. “I’m going to try and fry him.”

There is no denying Queen’s Rookie of the Year level confidence. This trip to LA is not just about participating; it’s about dominating the moment and turning heads in a game that often serves as a launchpad for future stars. Things should work out once both rookies are back in New Orleans though.

“I feel like that means we’ve got a good foundation right now,” Queen boasted. “We are just going to keep building, going to keep getting better, and we’re going to make the actual (NBA All-Star) game next year.”

For the Pelicans, that confidence aligns with the organizational bet they made on the Maryland alum’s development curve. For Queen, the All-Star weekend serves as both a mirror and a measuring stick. It’s also a reminder of the moments that inspired the 21-year-old and a preview of the level he expects to reach.

The post How Pelicans’ Derik Queen is driven by two NBA All-Star moments appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Well, he certainly ascended during Tuesday’s game against the Hornets. Facing grim circumstances, the two-time All-Star drove hard to the rim and dunked over Charlotte center Moussa Diabate with about three and a half minutes left in the contest. He was unable to finish the 3-point play on the free throw line, and New Orleans ultimately lost, 102-95, but Williamson’s superb feat of power and athleticism is still encouraging to witness.

Zion Williamson with the POSTER over Moussa Diabate plus the foul pic.twitter.com/scBdu7789x

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 2, 2026

The former No. 1 overall draft pick is physically able to attack the basket with authority. He is prioritizing his fitness and has stayed mostly healthy since returning from an abductor strain on Dec. 14. The Pelicans just need him to dominate more often.

Williamson scored just 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting to go with 11 rebounds and four assists in 31 minutes. He was also 4-of-9 from the charity stripe. Trey Murphy III notched a game-high 27 points on 50 percent shooting, but New Orleans could have used more production from its franchise cornerstone. Again, he is the team’s best chance of becoming competitive again.

While the numbers are definitely solid — averaging 21.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists entering Tuesday’s road matchup — there are too many occasions when Zion Williamson is underwhelming on offense. Posters are nice, but what fans really want is wins.

Obviously, the burden does not fall entirely on his shoulders. The 25-year-old forward is still a highly productive player. Can he reach the next level, though? A Wednesday night face-off with the Milwaukee Bucks (18-29), a squad that has its own problems, could be an ideal opportunity for Williamson to erupt.

The post Pelicans’ Zion Williamson dunks all over Hornets’ Moussa Diabate in epic poster appeared first on ClutchPoints.

It was going to take more than a snowstorm to keep Williamson out of the starting lineup for a career-high 26th consecutive game.

“I think after tonight’s games, it’ll be the most consecutive games played in his career. You know there is something to that,” Borrego began. “It says to me that he values it, he wants to be here, he loves it here, and he loves his team.”

Within the building, that stretch is viewed less as a stat and more as evidence of professional alignment. This milestone underscores a significant shift for the 25-year-old forward, who has historically battled injuries, missing 56% of games through this point in his career. It’s something the Pelicans have been planning on since Joe Dumars took the job last summer.

“Very proud of (Williamson),” Borrego added. “His maturity, obviously it starts in the offseason in taking care of his body. Having great pride there and working on his mind and his body. Number one thing there.”

The Pelicans endured a nightmare first 20 games. Still, they’ve stressed process over outcome during Borrego’s interim tenure, and Williamson’s offseason discipline has translated into a steadier in-season presence. The buy-in has also carried into the team’s daily environment.

“I’ve seen maturity and leadership,” Borrego noted. “(Williamson) is valuing every day that he walks in the gym. He wants to get better. He loves his teammates. He loves his city and just wants to turn this. He wants to make it a winner. I see that focus and that drive right now. Every morning, he gets up and works. He has been very consistent this year. He’s just been a joy for me to coach and be around. He makes me better every day. He pushes me to be better, and hopefully I’m doing the same thing.”

This is the true buy-in factor. It’s more than just showing up; it’s about setting a tone that elevates an entire organization. Zion Williamson is clocking in, stepping up, and through his renewed dedication, is authoring the most compelling chapter of his career yet, instead of standing on the sidelines. It’s no secret that amid this great stretch, the Pelicans seem content to stand pat with their All-Star through the NBA Trade Deadline as well.

So, for now, James Borrego is simply grateful to witness and benefit from the growth of one of basketball’s most talented young stars. There have been lots of small wins to be proud of after all.

The post Why James Borrego’s Pelicans are ‘proud’ of Zion Williamson’s buy-in factor appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Injuries and identity crisis

The 2025-26 season has been a slog for the Grizzlies. They currently sit at 18-29 and 12th in the Western Conference. Memphis has rarely looked like the group that once terrorized opponents with speed, physicality, and confidence. What was framed internally as a redemption year has instead been swallowed by attrition and inconsistency.

The injury list alone tells the story. Zach Edey has missed extended time, and Brandon Clarke has struggled to regain rhythm following setbacks. Morant, who is the engine of the franchise, is sidelined until at least late February with a lingering elbow issue. Those absences have forced Jaren Jackson Jr into an oversized role. He has delivered solid production (19.5 points per game) but without the structural support that once made his impact devastating on both ends.

System shock

Compounding the injuries has been a philosophical reset that hasn’t landed smoothly. First-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo arrived with a European-influenced system emphasizing pace, ball movement, and collective reads. In theory, it was meant to modernize Memphis’ offense. In practice, it has clashed with the team’s personnel, most notably Morant.

Without their star guard available, the Grizzlies have struggled to execute Iisalo’s vision. They often oscillate between rushed possessions and stagnant half-court sets. A six-game losing streak has pushed them further from the play-in picture. The disconnect has become increasingly visible. Even with flashes from role players like Jaylen Wells and the newly debuted Ty Jerome, the season has taken on the feel of a holding pattern rather than a climb.

Grizzlies trade rumors

That uncertainty has made Memphis the league’s most volatile seller as the February 5 deadline nears. At the center of it all is Morant.

League chatter suggests a real strain between Morant and Iisalo. This has reportedly stemmed from disagreements over usage, substitutions, and overall offensive control. Those tensions allegedly boiled over earlier in the season. They have fueled speculation that the partnership may be untenable long-term. Rival teams are watching closely. The Miami Heat are widely rumored as Morant’s preferred destination. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, and Sacramento Kings have all explored scenarios.

The problem is timing. Morant is injured, expensive, and coming off multiple disrupted seasons. Memphis’ front office is adamant about avoiding a “sell-low” outcome. They have pushed for unprotected first-round picks and elite young talent in any deal. However, rival executives see leverage tilting away from the Grizzlies, not toward them.

Beyond Morant, Memphis has quietly fielded calls on veterans. Jock Landale’s expiring contract has drawn interest from contenders. Of course, Jackson’s name has surfaced in exploratory conversations, too. However, league consensus is that any Jackson discussion hinges entirely on what happens with Morant first.

Context shaping the deadline pressure

Iisalo’s system is not designed around heliocentric isolation. Morant’s brilliance thrives with the ball in his hands, attacking gaps and dictating tempo. That philosophical mismatch has created a ticking clock on their coexistence.

Morant’s elbow injury also means he cannot rehab his value on the court before the deadline. Add Edey’s long-term concerns and Clarke’s inconsistency, and Memphis looks thin at exactly the wrong moment.

Teams see Morant as a potential buy-low star rather than a fully priced franchise cornerstone. His $197 million contract only reinforces that caution. This is especially true for teams already near the luxury tax.

The sell-low trap

Trading Ja Morant at his lowest value would be disaster. The absolute nightmare for general manager Zach Kleiman is being forced into a decision without leverage. If the front office concludes that the Iisalo-Morant relationship is beyond repair, they may feel pressure to move Morant before the offseason. That’s where disaster lurks.

Morant will not be on the floor to demonstrate health. His injury history dominates negotiations. Rival teams are reportedly balking at including even a single unprotected first-round pick. Offers are framed around protected selections, role players, and cap flexibility.

Crippling the franchise

1. Losing a top-tier talent without a centerpiece return

Morant, when healthy, is a top-five offensive engine in the league. Moving him for a “Trae Young-level” return, which is quantity without a true blue-chip asset, would leave Memphis without a star capable of carrying playoff series.

2. Resetting without clarity

Trading Morant doesn’t automatically solve the system issue. It simply hands Iisalo a roster still short on creation. This would also ask Jackson to anchor an offense he’s not built to lead alone.

3. Years of drift

A sell-low Morant deal risks trapping Memphis in the NBA’s most dangerous zone. This team is too talented to tank but not talented enough to contend. They also do not have the draft capital to accelerate either path. That’s how half-decades disappear.

Final verdict

The Grizzlies’ nightmare isn’t inevitable. It is, however, close enough to feel real. Trading Ja Morant while he’s injured, unhappy, and undervalued would be a decision driven by fear rather than strategy. If Memphis truly believes in a reset, it must come from a position of strength, not exhaustion.

Sometimes the boldest move at the deadline is refusing to make one. For the Grizzlies, survival may depend on resisting the urge to end an era at its weakest moment.

The post Grizzlies’ nightmare 2026 NBA trade deadline scenario amid Ja Morant drama appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Season defined by inconsistency

The 2025-26 Pelicans have lived in a constant state of “almost.” At 13-38, they have at times been good enough to frustrate contenders and inconsistent enough to frustrate themselves. On paper, this is still a talented roster. On the floor, the identity has eroded.

Defense has been the primary culprit. Over the past several weeks, New Orleans has slipped to 27th in defensive efficiency. That’s a jarring drop for a team that once prided itself on length and switchability. The Pelicans can still score in bunches when the ball is moving and the stars are healthy. Too often, however, those flashes are undone by porous rotations, poor point-of-attack defense, and an inability to close quarters.

Looming decisions

Individually, the season has been a study in contrast. Zion Williamson, when available, remains one of the league’s most unstoppable forces. He is averaging 21.7 points per game on an ultra-efficient 58.2% from the field. He can still bulldoze defenders and collapse entire schemes. That said, the familiar availability questions resurfaced in December. That’s when he missed 12 games and once again placed the franchise on edge.

At the same time, Trey Murphy III has taken a decisive leap. Averaging a career-high 21.5 points per game while shooting 36.0% from deep, Murphy has become the ideal modern wing. He is scalable, efficient, and devastating off the catch. His breakout has only intensified the front office’s anxiety because it comes with a price tag. With a massive extension for Murphy looming, New Orleans must soon decide which version of this core is worth paying for.

Pelicans trade rumors

Unsurprisingly, the Pelicans have become one of the league’s most active rumor hubs. Early-season messaging suggested a desire to stand pat. Hoever, recent buzz from league insiders indicates that stance is softening. New Orleans is listening, not shopping, but listening.

Murphy has emerged as one of the most coveted players on the market. His combination of age, shooting, and defensive versatility has reportedly drawn very strong interest. Detroit is rumored to be weighing an aggressive package involving Tobias Harris and multiple first-round picks. That kind of offer tests any front office, especially one staring down a tax crunch.

Meanwhile, the Zion conversation has taken on a darker tone. Whispers of a “swap of failures” involving Memphis, centered on Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr, have circulated. That could be seen as a theoretical culture reset for two stalled franchises. At the margins, New Orleans has explored smaller moves. They can shop Jose Alvarado for seconds and listen in on young big Yves Missi to restock a draft cupboard notably missing its 2026 first-round pick.

Structural trap

Before any nightmare scenario can unfold, it’s important to understand the trap the Pelicans are in.

Williamson’s production is undeniable. When he plays, he changes games. That said, availability remains the question that no spreadsheet can answer. Every missed stretch magnifies the fear of committing long-term resources to a player who can’t consistently be on the floor.

The Oklahoma City Thunder own New Orleans’ unprotected 2026 first-round pick. That single fact warps every decision. Tanking is not an option. Getting worse doesn’t help either. You’re only improving a rival’s future.

Murphy is extension-eligible. Paying him will potentially push New Orleans into the tax for a roster that currently looks like a play-in team. Not paying risks losing elite talent for nothing.

The nightmare scenario

Trading Zion at his lowest value for pennies would be disastrous. The true nightmare isn’t trading him but trading him wrong.

Rumors suggest front office fatigue is real. Years of uncertainty, injuries, and near-misses have taken their toll. The nightmare scenario is New Orleans finally blinking and moving Zion for a “quantity over quality” package. This could mean three mid-tier first-round picks, expiring salary, and theoretical flexibility.

On paper, it looks like a reset. In reality, it’s a catastrophe.

Why it’s wrong

1. Giving away a generational talent

Zion is 25 years old and is scoring on impressive efficiency. Trading that caliber of player for non-blue-chip picks is how franchises disappear into irrelevance. Stars like this don’t come back easily, especially not through late lottery selections.

2. Feeding the Thunder

This is the most brutal part. If the Pelicans get worse post-trade — and they almost certainly would — they risk handing Oklahoma City a top-five pick in 2026. New Orleans wouldn’t just be rebuilding. They would be actively fueling a rival’s dynasty without control of their own future.

3. A directionless reset

Without Zion and without their own pick, the Pelicans would be stuck in the worst possible rebuild. They would be asset-light, tax-conscious, and reliant on internal development with no true franchise centerpiece. Murphy becomes expensive. Ingram’s future becomes murky. The “reset” solves nothing.

Final verdict

The Pelicans are not in an easy spot, but panic would make it worse. Trading Zion Williamson at his lowest leverage point, without control of their own draft, would be franchise malpractice. If New Orleans is going to make a seismic move, it has to be one that brings back a true cornerstone or restructures the roster without collapsing the floor beneath it.

Sometimes the nightmare isn’t missing your window. It’s smashing it yourself out of fear. For New Orleans, the deadline isn’t about boldness but restraint.

The post Pelicans’ nightmare 2026 NBA trade deadline scenario with Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III decisions looming appeared first on ClutchPoints.

At the core of this rise is exceptional court vision and decision-making. Unlike many young bigs who focus primarily on scoring or rebounding, Queen excels at reading defenses and finding open teammates. His assists per game lead all rookies, a testament to his ability to operate as a facilitator at all three levels. Whether from the low-block, the elbow, or outside the three-point line, the NBA Rising Stars honoree has been dropping dimes all season.

Borrego has been vocal about the rookie’s development, particularly the 21-year-old’s ability to create advantages for teammates.

“Well, for (Derik Queen), his value for us right now offensively is his ability to make plays for others,” Borrego began. “It’s the high IQ. We can move him to the post, to the elbow, to the top of the floor. He has been able to screen for a number of our guys and make plays. So we trust him. More than anything, we trust him with the ball and to make the right play and to create some kind of advantage for us.”

Queen’s versatility has become integral to Borrego’s offensive schemes. His ability to operate from different spots on the court creates mismatches and opens opportunities, showcasing the kind of basketball awareness typically associated with veterans rather than rookies.

Beyond his playmaking, Queen has established himself as a consistent presence on the glass. His rebounding prowess has given New Orleans a reliable source of second-chance points and defensive stability.

“The board has been important for us,” added Borrego. “(Queen) has been at 12 plus rebounds multiple times. That’s something that he gives us night in and night out.”

Still, Borrego can only coach one rookie up so much. Veterans with different playing perspectives are helping fill informational gaps on the other end.

“The growth continues to be at the defensive end. (Queen) knows and understands that. I’ve seen growth there as well. I think having (Yves Missi) and DeAndre Jordan and (Kevon Looney) to learn from has been massive for (Queen) to figure out how to communicate, how to talk through coverages, what coverages we are in.”

Queen’s progress in encouraging but learning curves for any NBA rookie are steep, particularly for big men tasked with protecting the rim while managing complex defensive assignments. He has navigated these challenges by simply absorbing that knowledge.

“There are so many decisions that NBA players have to make on the floor, especially when you’re a young guy. It’s moving so fast,” Borrego explained. “The game is continuing to slow down in spurts for him, and I think that’s been a real plus.”

With all that understood, Queen has quickly become the key piece in the team’s rebuilding efforts. With averages of 12.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 48.4% from the field, he leads all rookies in total rebounds (353) and total assists (205). He is also second in shots swatted (43). Minutes, points, steals, and field goal percentages are all top-five level.

James Borrego’s Pelicans can work with that moving forward, regardless of how this season plays out beyond the NBA Trade Deadline.

The post How Pelicans’ Derik Queen has earned more ‘trust’ as offensive focal point appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Essentially, with rookie Jeremiah Fears and second-year center Yves Missi slated as the first two substitutions, the Pelicans are emphasizing size, length, and defensive versatility from the opening tip. Fans should expect no changes. Borrego said the new starting five has done its job early, particularly in setting a defensive tone in the Smoothie King Center.

“Well, they’ve gotten off to better starts in general,” Borrego admitted. “So it’s been more of a positive right now. I like the size, the length, and the defensive mentality. So we’re off to a good start there. We’ve got to get better, though, in certain areas. We’ve got to (play) cleaner, but I like it. We’re two games in. It’s a good start. Got a long way to go, but so far so good. I think it’s a good closing lineup as well.”

The commitment to the lineup doesn’t mean the Pelicans are short on flexibility.

Fears and Missi have been the first two players off the bench, a pairing Borrego believes complements the starters rather than disrupts them.

“I think Yves Missi has come in and given us great energy,” added Borrego. “He adds some defense to that group.”

Late-game performance remains the bigger test. The Pelicans have emphasized composure without sacrificing edge, a balance Borrego said the team is learning to manage in real time.

“We’ve worked on it, we’ve talked about it, but you’ve got to go execute,” explained Borrego. “There is certainly attention on it, focus on it. Those last five minutes against San Antonio, same thing. No one panicked. We’ve been here before, talked about what needs to get accomplished possession by possession on both sides of the ball: being the poised team and continuing to keep our aggression. We don’t want to lose our aggression in the last five minutes, but you’ve got to have a poised aggression. Really proud of the group there. There is certainly a tension there, and it’s not going to go away. We will learn from it.”

For now, that belief in process is guiding the decision to stay the course. Against a familiar opponent and with momentum inching forward, Borrego is less interested in tweaking the lineup than in seeing how far this version of the Pelicans can go.

The post Why Zion Williamson’s Pelicans will stick with new starting lineup vs. Grizzlies appeared first on ClutchPoints.

But as of writing, the Pelicans have stayed pat, perhaps awaiting what the other teams will do, especially with the latest development on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Getting Antetokounmpo will always be the trade scenario that every team dreams of. So for the sake of novelty, the two-time MVP was not considered for this feature.

After all, the Pelicans have plenty of other targets who could perfectly fit their intriguing roster.

New Orleans Pelicans’ Perfect Trade Deadline Scenario

First of all, let’s get the harshness out of the way: Williamson was a failure for the Pelicans. Many deemed him the team’s savior after being drafted as the top overall pick in 2019. He, however, has stayed longer in the hospital than on the court.

While it is always sad to see a player get constantly injured, the return on investment with Williamson has been stressful for the Pelicans. Simply put, he needs to go.

The Pelicans could offer Williamson and Dejounte Murray to the Memphis Grizzlies for Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. It is a deal centered on swapping franchise players—Williamson and Morant—who both have seemingly overstayed their welcome in their respective cities.

This trade will also further prove that Williamson and Morant, who entered the NBA together, will always be linked together.

The Pelicans have spent years orbiting Williamson’s potential, often without clarity. This trade offers certainty, although Morant has had issues over the last few years. He is also currently sidelined with an elbow injury. Still, a change of scenery will reinvigorate the 26-year-old Morant. Remaining on a small-market team will also provide familiarity for him.

He is a culture-shifting engine, a nightly floor-raiser who can elevate the Pelicans and electrify the fans. He can unlock a pace-and-space attack that better suits the Pelicans’ supporting cast.

Jackson, meanwhile, will instantly upgrade the Pelicans’ frontcourt. His defensive ability will pair well with the offensive acumen of Derik Queen. Jackson also provides another two-way threat for New Orleans aside from Murphy. He can stretch the floor, protect the rim, and switch across lineups.

The Pelicans might not want a deal that only nets them Morant, given his problems. The 26-year-old Jackson, a consistent contributor, is the insurance.

A starting five of Queen, Jackson, Murphy, Jones, and Morant, with Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey coming off the bench, looks formidable.

Letting go of Murray, meanwhile, will give more opportunities for Jeremiah Fears, Bryce McGowens, and Jordan Hawkins. Murray has only played 31 games for the Pelicans due to an Achilles injury.

Zion Williamson Joins Memphis Grizzlies

Like Morant, a change of scenery will be good for the 25-year-old Williamson. An entirely different medical staff might also make him more durable.

He will give the Grizzlies something they have never truly had since the era of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol: A singular interior force. While Jackson has been a solid anchor, he does not really command attention.

When healthy, Williamson is one of the NBA’s most efficient scorers, utilizing his power and heft to dominate inside despite being undersized. He could be the offensive hub, while the Grizzlies keep their defensive identity intact.

The 29-year-old Murray may seem like a throw-in in the deal, but he is an all-around guard with the ability to make an impact on both ends. Do not forget that he is a one-time All-Star.

The post Pelicans’ dream 2026 NBA trade deadline scenario with Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III decisions looming appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Dort and Fears were each fined $25,000, per NBA PR.

Fears was held back by Pelicans’ security from the floor, through the player tunnel, and toward the visiting teams’ locker room, as he was still livid in trying to get at Dort after both teams separated the two.

Still holding Fears after the game. pic.twitter.com/AzL7FLwaGS

— Jerry Ramsey (@TVsJerry) January 28, 2026

Hours after the game, Fears commented on a photo of the scuffle from his Instagram account.

Fears had words for Dort in the comments section of the Instagram post.

“soft [as hell],” Fears replied to the photo, accompanied by three crying-laughing emojis.

Jeremiah Fears’ reaction to the altercation: https://t.co/Pcv52T4P7Y pic.twitter.com/LEGqzhRz1z

— Jordan Davis (@thejordancdavis) January 28, 2026

Tuesday’s matchup is the third and final regular-season meeting between the Thunder and Pelicans.

Mark Daigneault’s take on Lu Dort/Jeremiah Fears scuffle

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault reacted to Lu Dort and Jeremiah Fears‘ scuffle by stating he wasn’t surprised it happened, considering the referees had lost control of the game in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Dort and Fears’ fight happened minutes after Jaylin Williams and Saddiq Bey had to be separated after a hard foul.

For Daigneault, tensions between the Thunder and Pelicans’ players only escalated from that point forward, leading to Fears and Dort’s end-of-game scuffle.

“Two things on it. The first one is: I thought good guys, good crew, but I thought they lost control of the game in the final minutes. That altercation at the end started well before that with the Bey and J-Will situation. I thought they could have managed that cleaner,” Daigneault said. “Then, the second thing is: I think that’s a foul on Dort.

“And if it was, they should put a whistle on that play regardless of the score and the time, because if they do that, everybody stops playing, and you can legislate the situation as you normally would. But, because they didn’t put a whistle on it, it’s the end of the game. You can do nothing about it, and you end up with that situation,” Daigneault concluded.

Mark Daigneault’s response to the Dort/Fears scuffle: “Two things… first, good guys, good crew, but I thought they lost control of the game in the final minutes…

Second, I think that was a foul on Dort. And if it was, they should put a whistle on that play regardless” pic.twitter.com/whzDoBbFXb

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) January 28, 2026

The post Lu Dort, Jeremiah Fears fined $25,000 each for Thunder-Pelicans altercation appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Magic gave the Grizzlies four future first-round picks, which is reportedly the only kind of deal that the Pelicans plan to make ahead of this year’s trade deadline, as Marc Stein noted, per The Stein Line.

“What would it take to get the Pelicans to relent on their off-cited resistance to trading either Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones? I’ve heard this one from multiple teams lately: They would want a Desmond Bane-type offer. Orlando parted with four future first-round picks and a first-round pick swap to acquire Bane from Memphis in June,” Stein reported.

The Pelicans have a serious need of first-round picks as they look to build for their future. If New Orleans were to part ways with one of its most talented players, it’s going to cost a team its future assets in order to jumpstart the conversation.

Joe Dumars reportedly sorting through offers for Pelicans

While the asking price is reportedly steep, it hasn’t halted trade talks for Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III. League sources say any move for Murphy III will have to include at least four future first-round picks, according to ClutchPoints’ Chris Dodson.

“Even Trajan Langdon’s upstart Detroit Pistons could make a run. Ask the Indiana Pacers about taking these chances for granted. The Pelicans are years away from contention, or so they’ll be told by other teams. Any serious offer, league sources indicate to ClutchPoints, must start with a package of at least four tradeable future first-round picks. A framework akin to the “Desmond Bane package” has been the starting point all along,” Dodson reported.

The NBA trade deadline is February 5.

The post NBA rumors: Marc Stein confirms Pelicans making ‘Desmond Bane-type’ trade demands appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Then, Fears responded in the comments section of a picture of Dort shoving him on Instagram, per The Oklahoman’s Jordan Davis.

“soft [as hell],” Fears replied to the photo, accompanied by three crying-laughing emojis.

Jeremiah Fears’ reaction to the altercation: https://t.co/Pcv52T4P7Y pic.twitter.com/LEGqzhRz1z

— Jordan Davis (@thejordancdavis) January 28, 2026

After Fears was removed from the court, Pelicans forward Zion Williamson chased him through the tunnel, as team officials were still escorting Fears to the locker room, per The Franchise 107.7’s Jerry Ramsey.

Still holding Fears after the game. pic.twitter.com/AzL7FLwaGS

— Jerry Ramsey (@TVsJerry) January 28, 2026

After Fears’ 3-pointer trimmed the Pelicans’ 17-point deficit down to five (92-87) with 4:31 left in the fourth quarter, the Thunder outscored New Orleans 12-8 down the stretch as tempers flared between the two teams on two separate occasions. First, Jaylin Williams and Saddiq Bey needed to be separated with 1:18 left. Then, Dort and Fears got into it as the game clock expired.

Mark Daigneault’s reaction to Lu Dort-Jeremiah Fears’ fight

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault discussed the officials after the scuffle between Lu Dort and Jeremiah Fears at the end of Tuesday’s nine-point Pelicans loss. Alluding to the friction between Thunder’s Jaylin Williams and Saddiq Bey, Daigneault says the referees lost control of the game.

“Two things on it. The first one is: I thought good guys, good crew, but I thought they lost control of the game in the final minutes. That altercation at the end started well before that with the Bey and J-Will situation. I thought they could have managed that cleaner,” Daigneault said. “Then, the second thing is: I think that’s a foul on Dort.

“And if it was, they should put a whistle on that play regardless of the score and the time, because if they do that, everybody stops playing, and you can legislate the situation as you normally would. But, because they didn’t put a whistle on it, it’s the end of the game. You can do nothing about it, and you end up with that situation.”

Mark Daigneault’s response to the Dort/Fears scuffle: “Two things… first, good guys, good crew, but I thought they lost control of the game in the final minutes…

Second, I think that was a foul on Dort. And if it was, they should put a whistle on that play regardless” pic.twitter.com/whzDoBbFXb

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) January 28, 2026

The Pelicans will host the Grizzlies on Friday.

The post Pelicans’ Jeremiah Fears claps back at Lu Dort after scuffle appeared first on ClutchPoints.

At least that’s what Daigneault assumed, whereas he believes a whistle could have prevented Dort and Fears’ conflict. For Gilgeous-Alexander, he wasn’t sure exactly how it started from his perspective, but he also admitted that he didn’t anticipate anything vicious between the two competitors.

“I wasn’t too sure what happened. I had heard them going back and forth after the last two free throws,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But I wasn’t sure what happened. Then, I turned around, and they were face-to-face. I’m sure it was nothing crazy. Typical basketball scuffle.”

Pelicans’ officials held Fears back from the court, through the tunnel, and straight to the visitors’ locker room as the New Orleans rookie guard was still trying to get free and charge at Dort. There’s been no confirmation as to which words were exchanged between the two when Dort shoved Fears more than once before both benches cleared.

WILD finish here as Lu Dort & Jeremiah Fears got into it and were immediately separated by their teammates.

Fears held allll the way back and through the tunnel as he was LIVID and wanted to throw hands. He was forced from the court all the way toward the Pelicans’ locker room pic.twitter.com/z9KxKlzGr5

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) January 28, 2026

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 29 points led five Thunder players in double figures, including Chet Holmgren’s double-double (20 points, 14 rebounds) with five assists, five blocks, and Isaiah Joe’s 17 points, including six threes, led OKC’s bench. Lu Dort added 12 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, and Jeremiah Fears added seven points off the bench for New Orleans.

Mark Daigneault calls out officials for Thunder/Pelicans fight

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault says tempers reached a boiling point between his team and the Pelicans in the final minutes of a nine-point win for the defending champions. After the Thunder’s two rare consecutive losses at home to the Pacers and the Raptors, the defending champions closed out their three-game home stand with a nine-point victory against the Pelicans.

Despite the scrappy finish, Daigneault was honest in his take that Thunder veteran Lu Dort likely committed a foul that went overlooked, and tempers flared between Dort and Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears.

“Two things on it. The first one is: I thought good guys, good crew, but I thought they lost control of the game in the final minutes. That altercation at the end started well before that with the Bey and J-Will situation. I thought they could have managed that cleaner,” Daigneault said. “Then, the second thing is: I think that’s a foul on Dort.

“And if it was, they should put a whistle on that play regardless of the score and the time, because if they do that, everybody stops playing, and you can legislate the situation as you normally would. But, because they didn’t put a whistle on it, it’s the end of the game. You can do nothing about it, and you end up with that situation.”

Mark Daigneault’s response to the Dort/Fears scuffle: “Two things… first, good guys, good crew, but I thought they lost control of the game in the final minutes…

Second, I think that was a foul on Dort. And if it was, they should put a whistle on that play regardless” pic.twitter.com/whzDoBbFXb

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) January 28, 2026

The Thunder improved to 37-10.

The post Thunder’s SGA reacts to ‘normal basketball scuffle’ between Lu Dort, Jeremiah Fears appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The defending champion closed out its three-game home stand on a high note before Dort shoved Fears after the final buzzer, and the benches cleared. For Daigneault, the physicality reached a point of no return between Dort and Fears, which followed up Jaylin Williams and Saddiq Bey’s double-technical foul, and officials lost control.

“Two things on it. The first one is: I thought good guys, good crew, but I thought they lost control of the game in the final minutes. That altercation at the end started well before that with the Bey and J-Will situation. I thought they could have managed that cleaner,” Daigneault said. “Then, the second thing is: I think that’s a foul on Dort.

“And if it was, they should put a whistle on that play regardless of the score and the time, because if they do that, everybody stops playing, and you can legislate the situation as you normally would. But, because they didn’t put a whistle on it, it’s the end of the game. You can do nothing about it, and you end up with that situation.”

Mark Daigneault’s response to the Dort/Fears scuffle: “Two things… first, good guys, good crew, but I thought they lost control of the game in the final minutes…

Second, I think that was a foul on Dort. And if it was, they should put a whistle on that play regardless” pic.twitter.com/whzDoBbFXb

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) January 28, 2026

After the Pelicans trimmed their 12-point deficit down to five (92-87) off a three from Fears, Williams and Bey had to be separated at the 1:18 mark of the fourth quarter, when the Thunder had a seven-point lead. The chippiness between the two teams never ended, according to Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, who thinks the officials needed to do a better job in taming the tension.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 29 points led Oklahoma City in scoring. Chet Holmgren finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks, and Isaiah Joe’s 17 points, including six threes, led the Thunder’s bench production.

Lu Dort, Jeremiah Fears heated exchange in Thunder win

After Lu Dort and Pelicans’ Jeremiah Fears were separated following their heated exchange at the end of the Thunder and Pelicans game, Fears continued to try to charge toward the Thunder veteran. From the opposite end of the floor to the players’ tunnel, team officials forcibly removed the rookie from the floor.

WILD finish here as Lu Dort & Jeremiah Fears got into it and were immediately separated by their teammates.

Fears held allll the way back and through the tunnel as he was LIVID and wanted to throw hands. He was forced from the court all the way toward the Pelicans’ locker room pic.twitter.com/z9KxKlzGr5

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) January 28, 2026

Williamson led the Pelicans with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Saddiq Bey added 16 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

The post Thunder coach Mark Daigneault’s instant reaction to Lu Dort-Jeremiah Fears scuffle appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The two got into each other’s faces and they had to be separated by the entire benches, with the fracas nearly devolving into a full-blown brawl. The Pelicans have clearly taken exception to the physicality the Thunder had been playing with all night long, and Fears, the rookie, showed that he wasn’t afraid, confronting the physically-imposing Dort who has a few inches and pounds on him.

Footage via Michael Martin, beat reporter for the Thunder.

We have another mixup this time between Lu Dort and Jeremiah Fears as both teams once again have to be separated after the final buzzer went off and the clock expired.

The Thunder win a chippy one 104-95 vs the Pelicans. pic.twitter.com/eG6vFSiE9v

— Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) January 28, 2026

They had to push Fears off the court

He got into it with Dort there at the end.

Joe Dumars had to get on the court to get him off

Not seen this before pic.twitter.com/y2VuD9LN9E

— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) January 28, 2026

The Pelicans showed that they had no fear going up against a Thunder team that beats opponents into submission with their suffocating defense. Zion Williamson, in particular, was setting the tone for the Pelicans on the physical side of the ball, but this OKC squad didn’t get to where they are by being pushovers.

The good news from all this is that no one was seriously hurt, and the tensions between the two teams subsided in what otherwise could have been an uglier scene.

Thunder’s defensive identity in full display in win vs. Pelicans

The Thunder are difficult to face in that they can match up well against any team in the NBA. No team can bully them anymore, and the Pelicans certainly learned that firsthand on Tuesday.

It can be very irritating to face an opponent that is always in your jersey and never relents an inch, which may be why frustrations were getting the better of the Pelicans come the end of the game. Nonetheless, this is just the effect the Thunder can have on their opponents.

The post Lu Dort, Jeremiah Fears get into heated exchange after Thunder beat Pelicans appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In a post shared Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter, Stein dismissed the idea that talks between the two franchises are taking place.

“One source close to the process tells @TheSteinLine that there are no discussions between the Pelicans and the Grizzlies on a potential Ja Morant deal … despite persistent speculation to the contrary,” Stein wrote.

Stein expanded on that reporting in his latest column for The Stein Line, adding further context to Memphis’ position amid widespread league chatter.

“The search for a confirmed Morant suitor thus continues,” Stein wrote. “The Grizzlies still hope to find a trade partner before the Feb. 5 buzzer after so much public discourse surrounding Morant’s availability, but as we’ve been saying: Memphis knows it’ll be a very challenging sell to its fans to just ship Morant out in Trae Young-ish fashion by accepting multiple team-friendly contracts for perhaps the most popular player in franchise history.”

Young was traded earlier this month to the Washington Wizards in a deal centered around CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, a return Stein cited as a cautionary comparison rather than a template Memphis is eager to follow.

Stein added that the Grizzlies’ asking price remains significant.

“The Grizzlies are said to be angling for at least one future first-round pick in a Morant deal,” Stein wrote. “Is that out there for them? You guessed it: The next 10 days will tell us.”

Marc Stein shuts down Pelicans-Ja Morant trade as injury clouds Grizzlies season

While Memphis continues to field inquiries, Stein was emphatic that New Orleans is not among the teams engaging in Morant discussions.

“The Pelicans, meanwhile, are said to be on the active side in terms of taking and making calls — with interest in young center Yves Missi only growing — but the messaging was emphatic: No Morant conversations,” Stein wrote. “Just as New Orleans has repeatedly insisted it intends to hold on to in-demand swingmen Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones.”

The trade speculation comes amid a challenging season for Morant, who has been limited to just 18 games. The 25-year-old is currently sidelined after the Grizzlies recently announced he will miss at least three weeks with a UCL sprain in his left elbow. He sustained the injury during a Jan. 21 home game against the Atlanta Hawks and is expected to be reevaluated in early February.

On the court, Morant has averaged 19.0 points, 7.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds and one steal per game while shooting 40.1 percent from the field. His 20.8 percent shooting from three-point range marks a career low, though he is converting a career-high 90 percent of his free throws. The scoring average is his lowest since the 2020-21 season, reflecting an uneven campaign marked by interruptions and inconsistency.

Memphis enters Wednesday’s slate at 18-26, having dropped three straight games following Monday’s 108-99 loss to the Houston Rockets. The Grizzlies sit 12th in the Western Conference standings and will host the Charlotte Hornets (19-28) on Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. ET as they look to regain traction.

New Orleans, meanwhile, remains at the bottom of the standings at 12-36 despite a recent two-game win streak that includes a 104-95 upset of the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. The Pelicans will conclude their three-game road trip Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder (37-10) at 8:00 p.m. ET.

With the deadline nearing, Morant’s name is expected to remain central in league discourse. For now, Stein’s reporting makes clear that any presumed path to New Orleans exists only in rumor, not reality.

The post NBA rumors: Ja Morant trade speculation for Pelicans gets dunked on by Marc Stein appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Wallace adds to a report that already includes Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Ajay Mitchell. The Thunder have won seven of their last 10 games but ride a two-game losing streak after narrow defeats to the Pacers and Raptors. Under the arena lights, dominance meets uncertainty.

Injuries push the Thunder to adapt. Defense still anchors the group. Ball movement still defines their style. But each missing piece removes comfort. Cason Wallace’s absence would weaken the perimeter. Jalen Williams’ injury reshapes scoring. Caruso and Hartenstein being out changes pressure and protection in the paint. Every possession now matters. Every stop sounds louder. The crowd feels the tension. The bench feels the strain.

A Thunder test of control versus freedom

This matchup becomes more than standings. It becomes a test of mindset. The Thunder are built on discipline, pace, and belief. They lead the league because they rarely blink. Still, fatigue and injuries ask hard questions. Two close defeats already showed how thin the line can be between command and collapse. Now the response matters.

For the Pelicans, this game offers rare freedom. A team buried in the standings can play without fear. They run, shoot, and disrupt rhythm. Sometimes that freedom becomes dangerous. One hot stretch can flip the script. One roar from the crowd can wake the building.

The Thunder must show why it sits on top. Not with flash, but with focus. This is how elite teams reveal themselves. They tighten their grip when pressure rises, do not wait for excuses, and answer with effort.

Under bright lights, the Thunder protect first place while battling injury and doubt. Heaven meets earth on the same floor. And when the ball goes up, one question remains: will Oklahoma City steady itself, or will chaos steal the night?

The post Thunder’s Cason Wallace update adds to growing list of injury question marks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

They currently have a 12-36 record, and conventional wisdom suggests that any team that is in the bottom of the standings will be more inclined to sell on their best players. But the Pelicans have no such intentions. In fact, reports have indicated that New Orleans will be keeping the likes of Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, among others, past the trade deadline.

The Pelicans are hopeful that they can turn things around quickly in the coming seasons, hence their steadfastness in keeping Murphy. Murphy would net them such a huge return on the trade market, especially when he’s under contract for three more seasons after this current campaign on such an affordable and team-friendly deal.

Things can change quickly in the NBA; trades can materialize from out of nowhere, similar to how the Los Angeles Lakers surprised the entire world by trading for Luka Doncic.

This just means that as much as the Pelicans would want to keep Murphy, a grandfather offer may be able to change their mind. In that case, here are the teams that make the most sense for the 25-year-old wing.

5. Los Angeles Lakers

If there’s a team that would benefit so much from acquiring a major upgrade on the wing, it’s the Los Angeles Lakers. Acquiring a big man might be a more pressing issue considering that Deandre Ayton has been struggling as of late and he’s not done anything to convince anyone that he’s the team’s long-term solution at the five. But acquiring someone as good as Murphy would open up so much for this Lakers squad.

With Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James all taking turns handling the rock, an off-ball scorer as proficient as Murphy would feast for the Lakers. He’s like a supercharged version of Rui Hachimura, a more efficient shooter, a more audacious sniper, and a better defender on the perimeter.

Murphy does not need the ball too much; in fact, 76.6 percent of his made field goals this season have been assisted. But he’s more than just an off-ball scorer. He can attack aggressive closeouts and create off the bounce in a pinch, and he would elevate the Lakers’ elite offense even further.

Alas, the Lakers do not have the assets to bring in Murphy, especially not at the price point the Pelicans have set — rendering this as nothing more than a pipe dream.

4. Golden State Warriors

Earlier in the season, the Warriors were at the center of rumors regarding a potential blockbuster trade to bring someone like Murphy in from the Pelicans with a package centered around Jonathan Kuminga. Golden State does have the future first-round picks to swing a potential trade if they so chose.

However, the torn ACL to Jimmy Butler changes matters for the Warriors. If they were to re-open their title-contending window, they need a legitimate ballhandling superstar on the wing to complement Stephen Curry. This is not to say that Murphy wouldn’t help the Warriors; his scoring efficiency and ability to find space off the ball means that he’s a perfect fit within the team’s offense.

But the Butler injury has created a ballhandling, playmaking, and scoring void that Murphy may not be able to fill. And with the Warriors having limited assets as it is, they would want to go all in on a superstar who can take some on-ball shot-creation load off of Curry’s shoulders.

The Warriors still have dreams of acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo or a star of a similar caliber. Murphy should be further down their priority list these days, as they’re no longer in the position of needing just one more piece to get over the hump the way they were prior to Butler’s injury.

3. Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers have been rumored to have taken an interest in New York Knicks wing Mikal Bridges, acting as a third team to facilitate a potential Antetokounmpo trade involving the Knicks. Bridges, however, has been up and down, and he’s not been quite himself as of late. He seems to be the kind of player who fits a contending ensemble more so than being the final piece to get a team over the hump.

What the Blazers need is a more explosive scorer, and Murphy fits the bill. Even on an inconsistent Pelicans team where he commands so much defensive attention, Murphy is putting up over 22 points a ballgame on 49/38/90 shooting splits. On a team where he has more offensive talent around him, especially when Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant are firing on all cylinders, Murphy could reach an even higher level, scoring-wise.

Considering that the Blazers still have a few leftover assets from the Bucks courtesy of the Damian Lillard trade, the Blazers have the assets as well to pull off such a trade. They can cobble together Robert Williams III and Matisse Thybulle’s expiring salaries or dangle Scoot Henderson as a young prospect who could convince the Pelicans to pull the trigger on a Murphy trade while adding multiple firsts in any trade package.

The Blazers have the 22nd ranked offense in the NBA, and bringing in Murphy would help address their biggest weakness.

2. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors are another team that’s been prominently mentioned in trade rumors for every potential star or fringe All-Star who is available on the market. They’ve reportedly kicked the tires on the idea of trading for Anthony Davis or Domantas Sabonis. They’ve also been linked to someone like Ja Morant.

Why not extend the search to someone like Murphy?

The Raptors already have a deep core on the wing, with Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett leading the way. But there’s always room for improvement. Murphy would be an upgrade over someone like Barrett, in particular. He’s a more efficient scorer who doesn’t need the ball much, freeing up more touches for Ingram, Barnes, and Immanuel Quickley, and having him as a threat on the perimeter would open up so much space for the team.

Murphy’s disruptiveness on the defensive end (1.6 steals per game this season) also makes him an incredible fit on a Raptors team that loves to force turnovers so that they could get out in transition.

1. Detroit Pistons

All reports point to the Pistons playing the long game, choosing the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs route of roster-building instead of pushing their chips to the center of the table more aggressively.

But the Pistons have to know that contending windows are not to be taken for granted. An injury (knock on wood) can set back a franchise for years. Detroit will also have to pay their key young guys in the near future.

Something has to give, and with the Pistons being set up to contend for the foreseeable future anyway behind their Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren-led core, now may be the time to swing that huge trade — especially with the title race being wide open.

The Thunder have been shaky as of late. The Spurs may need a year or two to prepare for some playoff bloodbaths. And every team in the Eastern Conference is looking up to them. Murphy could be the piece that takes the Pistons from merely good to championship-level great. They also have the assets to trade away to the Pelicans, making this the perfect destination for the burgeoning 25-year-old wing.

The post Ranking 5 best Trey Murphy III trade destinations if Pelicans take plunge before 2026 deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“You don’t want to be a team that’s looked at as being soft.”

That phrase came within a response after Vassell was asked if his mindset regarding physicality came from a personal standpoint or from the team.

“Both, especially when it comes to the physicality; just not letting it feel like you’re getting punked.”

"Just not feeling like you're getting punked…
You don't want to be a team that's looked at as being soft…"

-Devin Vassell responding to @CTtheMicSlayer's question about whether the related mindset is individual or team-wide for the #Spurs

Full answer#PorVida#GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/Ppmxa4hwHx

— Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) January 26, 2026

Earlier in the week, head coach Mitch Johnson echoed similar sentiments following a setback to the Houston Rockets, declaring the Spurs didn’t match their in-state rivals’ toughness.

The week before, the Spurs lost a big fourth quarter lead and the game after the Minnesota Timberwolves upped the aggression. Like Houston, the T’Wolves are a Western Conference contender and a squad the Spurs could see when it matters most if all three make the playoffs as projected.

“I feel like that’s kind of how the teams come in. They’re like, ‘We come in, we could be more physical than them.’ And that’s just not what you want,” Vassell admitted after this most recent loss to New Orleans.

Spurs continue to struggle with opponents’ physicality

The Pelicans entered their match-up at the Frost Bank Center with the worst record in the West.

“I think that’s just the biggest thing is coming in knowing that. That’s how teams are,” Vassell continued. “They’re not going to out-talent us, they’re not going to do this, they’re not going to do that. We’ve got to sit there and be more physical. And that’s just the key to it, truthfully.”

Worse yet than falling to a last place team at home is the trend that’s finding San Antonio these days. Since that aforementioned loss in Minneapolis, the Spurs are just 4-4. Even with the upset at the hands of New Orleans, they’re still second in the conference. For the better part of the last couple of weeks, though, they’ve essentially sported the same record as a Denver Nuggets squad dealing with massive injuries.

“If we want be a team with high aspirations, we can’t take off a game like that. Mitch was saying that they’ve (the Spurs coaching staff) been gathering intel on the way teams are playing us with the physicality and bigger lineups and crashing the glass,” Vassell added. “What has to be done, I guess, differently to not allow 19 offensive rebounds and not be able to be pushed around by the physicality and stuff like that.”

In the midst of a month-long stretch in which they’re facing some of the league’s best consistently, the Spurs still face the vaunted Rodeo Road Trip in which they’ll be on the road for most of February before a final kick that will determine playoff seedings. It’s a reality Vassell says needs to come with a singular approach.

“It’s more mental than anything, you know what I’m saying? We’ve just got to know what their game plan is and and hit somebody first and be ready to take that punch.”

The post Spurs’ Devin Vassell uses dreaded ‘S’ word after brutal loss to Pelicans appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Amid the emergence of rookie big man Derik Queen, Yves Missi has seen his role for the Pelicans decrease, and has reportedly felt disrespected in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline. As reported by Siegel, the New York Knicks are one of a handful of teams that have registered trade interest in Missi.

“The 21-year-old big man and his camp feel disrespected by the Pelicans for his major decrease in minutes, and tension has formed between the two sides, sources say,” Siegel reports. “Not only does Missi want an elevated role, but the organization is fielding a ton of interest in him, making him one of the most likely players to be on the move before this year’s trade deadline.”

The No. 21 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Missi appeared to be on his way to cementing himself as a building block for the future after a strong rookie season. This year, however, his playing time has decreased from 26.8 minutes last season, to 18.8. He started 67 of the 73 games he played in as a rookie, and has only started seven of the 39 he’s appeared in this year.

Missi has been averaging 5.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.3 blocked shots with splits of 54.3 percent shooting from the field and 59.2 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

Siegel also reports that one of the Pelicans’ major priorities at the trade deadline is to acquire more draft assets, including trading back into the 2026 NBA Draft. The Pelicans traded away their own 2026 first-round pick in the draft night deal that landed them Queen.

The post Pelicans rumors: Yves Missi feels ‘disrespected’ as trade talks heat up appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Missi is halfway through the second season of his NBA career with the Pelicans. He has seen his role go down with less playing time amid the rise of Derik Queen while Zion Williamson has been more active in the rotation.

That doesn’t mean that the young center is going quiet. He executed his highlight against Wembanyama, one of the best young stars in the league, during the last two minutes of the game. Missi got the ball from the perimeter as he drove into the paint against the Spurs star and threw down the one-handed dunk.

OH WOW YVES MISSI pic.twitter.com/Cr8c3k1KgD

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 26, 2026

How Yves Missi, Pelicans played against Spurs

Yves Missi enjoyed his highlight against Victor Wembanyama as the Pelicans stunned the Spurs in a 104-95 victory.

New Orleans took control of the lead with its performances in the second and third quarter, outscoring San Antonio 57-40 in that stretch. The hosts tried to get back into the game, but the Pelicans did enough to keep them at bay.

Rebounding and inside scoring made the difference in this matchup. The Pelicans prevailed in both categories by securing 58 rebounds and scoring 56 points inside the paint. It wasn’t the same for the Spurs as they grabbed 46 rebounds and produced 32 points inside the paint.

Four players scored in double-digits for New Orleans in the win, including Missi. He finished with a stat line of 10 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal. He shot 4-of-11 from the field and 2-of-4 from the free-throw line. Zion Williamson led the team with 24 points and 10 rebounds, Saddiq Bey had 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Trey Murphy III put up 17 points and nine assists.

New Orleans improved to a 12-36 record on the season but remain at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. They are 0.5 games behind the Sacramento Kings and four games behind the Utah Jazz.

The Pelicans will look forward to their next matchup, remaining on the road. They face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. ET.

The post Pelicans’ Yves Missi blows by Victor Wembanyama for thunderous slam vs. Spurs appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Even San Antonio Spurs unicorn Victor Wembanyama was not able to do much against the former Duke Blue Devils star during one moment in Sunday night’s game at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.

Early in the second quarter of the contest, Williamson found himself on an isolation play against fellow former No.1 NBA Draft top pick Wembanyama. After getting a pass behind the 3-point line, Williamson measured Wembanyama’s defense before putting the ball on the floor and blowing by the Spurs star for an easy, uncontested dunk.

You can watch the sequence here:

ZION WILLIAMSON OH MY GOODNESS

Zion goes right past Wemby and elevates for a JAM
pic.twitter.com/lDiwzBEmeN

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 26, 2026

For as great a defender as Wembanyama is, he didn’t look exactly that way during that play. It didn’t seem Williamson did something extra special before taking off. Wembanyama just simply was not able to move his feet fast enough to block Williamson’s path.

Then again, Williamson is not an easy customer on defense, and he’s always bound to make such plays regardless of who’s in front of him — even a 7-foot-4 Wembanyama.

The Pelicans lost in all of their first three meetings with San Antonio in the 2025-26 NBA regular season, and this Sunday’s game represents their final chance to score a win at the expense of the Spurs. Otherwise, New Orleans will be swept by San Antonio in this regular-season series.

The 25-year-old Williamson entered the Spurs game with season averages of 22.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 58.0 percent from the field.

The post Pelicans’ Zion Williamson blows by Victor Wembanyama for massive throwdown appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Since the Knicks are right up against their second apron hard cap, they are unable to take back more salary than outgoing salary in any potential trades over the next two weeks. Not only is Yabusele being involved in trade dialogue, but New York is also exploring the possibility of attaching a minimum-contract player to said discussions, specifically second-year guard Pacome Dadiet, sources said.

Between these two contracts, the Knicks have approximately $8.3 million to play with and try to add one or two impactful talents for what this organization believes can be a championship push this season. It is worth noting that New York already has an open roster spot, and trading two players for one before the deadline would force them to add at least one other player to their roster.

In discussions with the Spurs, the Knicks have inquired about 2022 ninth overall pick Jeremy Sochan, sources said. Sochan is in the final year of his rookie contract and will be a restricted free agent in the summer. His defensive versatility at either forward position and slashing abilities on offense would fit in with New York’s style of play.

Although Sochan has been out of the Spurs’ rotation, there has been internal pushback in San Antonio to the idea of trading him, sources said. The Spurs still value Sochan’s presence and have yet to indicate they will actually trade him before this year’s deadline. While San Antonio does hold interest in adding more frontcourt help behind star big man Victor Wembanyama, Yabusele is no longer as high on the target list.

Despite being friends with Wembanyama due to their time with the French national team, the Spurs are said to be evaluating other options on the trade market, which is why discussions with the Knicks cooled late this past week. Many around the NBA are wondering if San Antonio is closing in on a deal using Kelly Olynyk’s expiring $13.4 million cap slot.

Knicks-Pelicans trade talks

Other than talks with the Spurs, the Knicks have also held direct dialogue with the Pelicans, as have many other teams around the league, leading up to the trade deadline. New Orleans has been taking calls every day from contending teams inquiring about Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, yet league sources say New York’s focus is on two players: Jose Alvarado and Yves Missi.

The Knicks have been inquiring about Alvarado’s availability from the Pelicans since before the holidays in December, and New Orleans is showing a willingness to move on from the defensive-minded guard. Multiple other teams, including the Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, and Minnesota Timberwolves, have also held discussions about Alvarado with the Pelicans.

If Alvarado were to join the Knicks, he would fill a key need for reliable secondary play in the backcourt behind All-Star guard Jalen Brunson.

As for Missi, the recent All-Rookie center has taken a backseat to rookie big man Derik Queen in New Orleans. The 21-year-old big man and his camp feel disrespected by the Pelicans for his major decrease in minutes, and tension has formed between the two sides, sources said.

Not only does Missi want an elevated role, but the organization is fielding a ton of interest in him, making him one of the most likely players to be on the move before this year’s trade deadline. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype has also reported recently on the Knicks calling about both Alvarado and Missi.

The Knicks are one of the handful of teams with strong interest in Missi, sources said. Since he is in the second year of his rookie contract, any team rumored to be in search of extra frontcourt depth has likely called the Pelicans to discuss a potential trade. Multiple teams in the Eastern Conference, including New York and Toronto Raptors, have held Missi trade dialogue with New Orleans.

Even with teams making calls for Murphy, Jones, Alvarado, and Missi before the trade deadline, the Pelicans are focused on finding ways to add draft assets, specifically to recover a pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. New Orleans traded its own first-round pick in this year’s draft to trade up and select Queen with the 13th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The Pelicans are also reaching out to teams to gauge interest in former All-Star guard Dejounte Murray and former NBA champion Jordan Poole, sources said. It will be hard for New Orleans to move either player and receive assets in return before the trade deadline.

Poole has been on the trade market since the start of December, as reported by ClutchPoints.

Knicks hold Naji Marshall trade interest amid Yabusele discussions

Outside of the Knicks holding talks with the Spurs and Pelicans as of late, New York is one of many teams to also express interest in trading for Dallas Mavericks wing Naji Marshall, sources said. Due to the lack of wing talent on the trade market this season and the demand for such players increasing, Marshall is expected to drive a significant market, with some league personnel suggesting Dallas may be able to fetch a first-round pick when all is said and done.

What the Knicks decide to do before the trade deadline, especially with Yabusele and his contract, will directly impact their championship efforts.

This past offseason, Yabusele drew significant interest as an unrestricted free agent, especially after a strong showing in one year with the Philadelphia 76ers. Not only were the Knicks interested, but the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, 76ers, and Spurs were all known suitors around the league for the 30-year-old.

Ultimately, Yabusele chose to sign a two-year, nearly $12 million contract with the Knicks that contained a player option for the 2026-27 season worth about $5.8 million. However, Knicks executive Leon Rose and his front office made the decision to sign Yabusele before bringing in Mike Brown as Tom Thibodeau’s successor on the sidelines.

In 39 games this season, Yabusele has only averaged 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in roughly 9.2 minutes per game while shooting 39.2 percent from the floor. His inability to crack Brown’s nightly rotations in New York is the reason why the Knicks are pressed to move him for a more impactful talent before the trade deadline in less than two weeks.

The post Sources: Knicks discussing Guerschon Yabusele trade with Spurs, Pelicans, others appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Check our Sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

Pelicans’ Zion Williamson first signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Jordan Brand back in 2019 during his entry to the NBA, including the eventual release of his signature Jordan Zion 1 sneaker later in 2021. Since then, Jordan Brand and Williamson have gone on to release four name-bearing signature models, adding to existing signature lines from the likes of Lakers’ Luka Doncic and Celtics’ Jayson Tatum.

However, Williamson went on to only play 30 games in 2024-25, the third season of his career having played 30 or fewer regular season games. Furthermore, he’s been caught in a number of controversies off the court, which could have had an impact in the decision for Jordan Brand to renew his contract.

Zion Williamson and Jordan Brand to part ways

BREAKING: Zion Williamson’s signature line with Jordan Brand is coming to an end, sources confirm with Sole Retriever. pic.twitter.com/cCFaG4lzqV

— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) January 24, 2026

Zion Williamson’s signature shoe line with Jordan Brand is coming to an end, per @SoleRetriever.

His contract is set to expire later this year, potential sneaker free agent? pic.twitter.com/FPVV4HB01p

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 24, 2026

In an initial report obtained by SoleRetriever, Jordan Brand will not be renewing Zion Williamson’s signature line following this season, ending his run with the Zion 4. Williamson will still remain a Jordan Brand athlete, but he may look towards other options if they present themselves. For arguably the most hyped prospect coming into the NBA since LeBron James, any brand would be considered lucky to have such a talent on their roster. However, many fear that Williamson’s prime window is quickly closing as his raw talent hasn’t translated into success for his team.

Jordan Brand will continue to finish their run of the latest Jordan Zion 4, but this will certainly be an interesting offseason for Williamson as he may begin shopping for new footwear suitors.

Which brand do you think Williamson will sign with next?

The post Zion Williamson’s Jordan Brand line is officially coming to an end appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Murphy is midway through the fifth season of his NBA career with the Pelicans. He has shined as one of the best two-way players on the team while showcasing a strong 3-point shot throughout the 2025-26 campaign.

Murphy also has great athleticism, which he showed off with one of his highlights against Memphis. The play took place midway through the second quarter as New Orleans forced a turnover and went on the fastbreak. Zion Williamson handled the ball as he passed it to Murphy, who got into the paint and pulled off a successful acrobatic shot while drawing the foul for the and-1 opportunity.

Trey Murphy with a CIRCUS shot down low for the and-1

pic.twitter.com/lob3dIK85h

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 24, 2026

How Trey Murphy III, Pelicans played against Grizzlies

It was a marvelous highlight for Trey Murphy III to achieve, helping the Pelicans take down the Grizzlies 133-127.

Both teams traded blows throughout the first three quarters of the game as Memphis led 101-93. It wasn’t until the fourth period when New Orleans came alive with 40 points in the last 12 minutes of regulation.

Free throws, turnovers and inside scoring made the difference in this matchup. The Pelicans prevailed in all three categories by making 28 free throws, limiting their turnovers to just 10, and scored 62 points inside the paint. It wasn’t the same for the Grizzlies as they converted 19 shots at the line, turned the ball over 19 times, and produced 48 points inside the paint.

Four players scored in double-digits for New Orleans, including Murphy. He filled up the stat sheet with 32 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Saddiq Bey led the team with 36 points and four rebounds, Zion Williamson had 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Jeremiah Fears provided 12 points and four assists.

New Orleans improved to an 11-36 record on the season but remain at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. They trail the Sacramento Kings by 1.5 games and Utah Jazz by five games.

The Pelicans will look forward to their next two matchups, remaining on the road. They face the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. ET and Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. ET.

The post Watch Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III hit a circus shot plus an and-1 vs. Grizzlies appeared first on ClutchPoints.

A young kid asked Poole who his favorite teammates during his time on the Golden State Warriors were. Poole shouted out Kevon Looney, who is also with the Pelicans this season, and he also mentioned Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins as some of his favorites. There is a notable absence among those Poole mentioned, but a child, who wasn’t on camera, reminded the Pelicans guard of him swiftly.

In a hilarious moment caught on camera, the Pelicans guard was asked how he felt when his face caught a punch from former teammate Draymond Green back in 2022.

“It’s tough, bro,” Poole said before the clip cut out, via NBA Centel on X (formerly Twitter).

Kid asked Jordan Poole:

"How did you feel when Draymond punched you?"

pic.twitter.com/QGf1di4iq6

— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) January 23, 2026

The trajectory of Poole’s career changed dramatically after Green’s punch, so calling it “tough” might be an understatement.

Jordan Poole struggles with Pelicans, reels from Draymond Green punch fallout

Poole is in the middle of one of the worst years of his career; he’s averaging a little under 15 points while shooting below 38 percent from the field this year while coming off the bench for a Pelicans team that’s currently dead-last in the West with 10 wins.

If Green did not punch Poole, he most certainly would still be on the Warriors as a rising star who can take some offensive load off of Stephen Curry. But since that punch, Poole’s career has taken a wild turn. He was good with the Washington Wizards last year, but this year has been one to forget for someone who, in 2022, seemed to have a brighter future than he’s actually experienced to this point.

The post Young fan asks Pelicans’ Jordan Poole crazy Draymond Green question appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Timberwolves have built their roster around Anthony Edwards’ offensive gravity and Rudy Gobert’s rim protection, but they have struggled at times to surround them with consistent two-way players.

With the trade deadline just a few weeks away, the Timberwolves should not remain idle as other teams get stronger for the playoffs. They have looked a little shaky compared to their last two campaigns, and a significant shakeup of the roster could be the key to finally advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Perfect 2026 NBA Trade Deadline Move

Currently, Minnesota is seventh in the Western Conference with a 27-18 record. While it is not too bad, it feels like an underachievement for a team that has been to the conference finals for two straight years.

Even with an offensive phenom in Edwards and a defensive stalwart in Gobert, the Timberwolves have looked mediocre, especially against faster opponents.

To address their issues, the Timberwolves should trade Julius Randle and Mike Conley Jr. to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Saddiq Bey—three versatile wingmen who could be interchangeable on both ends.

It’s the kind of roster shakeup that could redefine the identity of both teams: The Timberwolves will lean on more defensive versatility, while the Pelicans will add experience to accelerate the growth of their young players.

While it is tough to part ways with Randle and Conley, two key pieces in Minnesota’s resurgence, the squad has to give up something to reach greater heights.

Randle is a proven scorer and an all-around talent, but he’s a 31-year-old veteran locked into a sizable contract. The Timberwolves should ship him for more flexible assets to increase their upside without mortgaging their future.

Murphy is only 25, Bey is only 26, and Jones is only 27. They are all on the same timeline as the 24-year-old Edwards.

As for the 38-year-old Conley, he is already on the tail-end of his career. His exit will give more opportunities for Rob Dillingham, Bones Hyland, and Jaylen Clark.

Roster Improvement for Minnesota Timberwolves

Coach Chris Finch will be thrilled to acquire Murphy, Jones, and Bey. Finch has always espoused defense, and Murphy and Jones are proven stoppers, while Bey has the tools to improve.

They can put points on the board as well, especially Murphy and Bey, filling the void that will be left by Randle. Murphy and Bey are averaging 22.0 points and 15.2 points, respectively, this season.

Murphy is also a better shooter than Randle, averaging 38.8% from three-point distance. Moreover, he does not need the ball all the time to score, unlike Randle, whose high usage can clog the Timberwolves’ flow. On defense, he can guard multiple positions with his length and agility.

While Jones has been hampered by his shoulder injury, he remains one of the league’s best defenders. He was named to the All-Defensive First Team in 2024. With him on the roster, Edwards does not have to expend a lot of effort guarding the opposing team’s main option.

Imagine him, Murphy, Gobert, Edwards, and Jaden McDaniels teaming up. Good luck scoring against that crew.

Jones and Bey will also address the Timberwolves’ lack of scoring off the bench. Aside from Naz Reid, the team has no other consistent option among the relievers. Jones, who has a career tally of 10.1 points, and Bey, who once scored 51 points in a game, will change that.

If Minnesota wants to get over the hump, calling New Orleans should be a priority.

The post Timberwolves’ dream 2026 NBA trade deadline scenario that helps get them over finals hump appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Of course, the fan favorite’s message oozed with the kind of infectious, hopeful energy the Pelicans have been lacking.

“I’m close, I’m real close,” Alvarado shared. “If you know me, I’m not sitting out. I can’t sit out. My mind runs crazy, but I’m super close. I don’t know the timelines of what game and stuff, but hopefully on this road trip.”

The injury itself occurred on what Alvarado described as a routine play, underscoring how quickly things can change during an NBA game.

“Honestly, it was a simple play against LA,” Alvarado shared. “I did a cross pass on the right side of the court, and I just felt something tear up the oblique. Whatever happened, the muscle had a tear from a little injury like that, and it sucks. I felt it right away, and I tried to stay in the game as long as I could. You know me, I hate sitting out, so I try to do everything that’s possible to try to get better as fast as I can. I don’t want to sit out the game, so I tried to come back, but it was too much. I couldn’t stand, just trying to stay in the game.”

With the NBA Trade Deadline approaching, Alvarado addressed the swirling rumors and speculation that come with this time of year, particularly for players on struggling teams.

“You’ve got to stay level-headed. It’s a business at the end of the day,” Alvarado stated. “You never know, you might get a call and stuff like that, but at the end of the day, it’s still basketball. So I try with this group, we just stay with it. If it happens, you know, it happens. We can’t change anything. So if anything, if it’s going to another team or not, it’s still playing basketball. Just got to stay level-headed with this. Obviously, the timing is a little stressful because you don’t know what can happen. We’ve just got to stay connected at all times.”

Alvarado has become a fan favorite in New Orleans since joining the team in 2021, earning a reputation as one of the league’s most pesky defenders and bringing energy off the bench. His pragmatic approach to the trade deadline reflects the maturity of a player who understands the realities of professional basketball while maintaining focus on what he can control.

Whether the 27-year-old returns during the current road trip or shortly after, the Pelicans are preparing for his reintegration. His comments reflected both urgency and maturity, a player eager to compete, but aware of the long-term stakes. As the deadline approaches and New Orleans weighs its options, Alvarado’s focus remains on being available, productive, and ready for whatever comes next.

The post Pelicans’ Jose Alvarado addresses injury return, NBA Trade Deadline rumors appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Recently, ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that, for the Indiana Pacers, “sophomore center Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans (is) looming large as a potential trade-deadline acquisition — with impending free agent Bennedict Mathurin potentially going to New Orleans in the process.”

Now, NBA insider Jake Fischer has added more fuel to the “Mathurin to the Pelicans” fire.

“An incomplete deal framework that could still make it to the finish line: There have been whispers about various trade constructions that would feature Missi landing with Indiana and swingman Bennedict Mathurin heading to New Orleans,” reported Fischer on Marc Stein’s Substack.

However, he also noted a potential issue with the trade talks, because “Indiana is holding out for a greater return for the microwave scorer than merely Missi.”

In a vacuum, it’s easy to see why both the Pelicans and Pacers would have interest in this potential deal. New Orleans could certainly use some more young talent on the wing, especially if they end up trading one or both of Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones this offseason.

Meanwhile, the Pacers are desperate for some more frontcourt depth after Myles Turner bolted for the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency this past summer.

Both the Pacers and Pelicans sit toward the bottom of their respective conferences and have been decimated by injuries this season. Indiana of course is playing without injured star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, while the Pelicans have dealt with an array of injury troubles, including continued concerns for Zion Williamson.

In any case, the NBA trade deadline is set for February 5, so the clock is ticking if the two sides are serious about getting something done.

The post NBA rumors: Buzz builds around Pacers-Pelicans trade, but there’s a hold-up appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Though the Bulls have interest in moving some of their players as well to get a deal done, the Pelicans don’t look interested in trading Williamson at the moment, according to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points.

“League sources have since confirmed to ClutchPoints these conversations and the Bulls’ interest in the former first overall pick,” Siegel wrote. “The Bulls are signaling that they will be making significant roster changes before this year’s deadline, utilizing the expiring contracts of Nikola Vucevic, Kevin Huerter, Zach Collins, and sought-after guard Coby White in trade dialogue. Still, the Pelicans have remained firm on their stance to keep Zion … for now.”

The Bulls also seem to have some interest in Yves Missi as well, according to Siegel, and NBA insider Jake Fischer recently shared that he’s generating interest around the league.

“Along with our reporting last week that Indiana has called on Missi — as part of the Pacers’ ongoing search for front-line reinforcements — I’ve been advised that the Chicago Bulls are a team that covets Missi,” Fischer wrote.

As of now, it’s hard to tell if the Pelicans are just standing pat on these trades because they don’t want to give up their players or if they haven’t received the type of deals they’re looking for. Time will tell, but as it gets closer to the deadline, it will be interesting to see if teams get more aggressive.

The post NBA rumors: What Brett Siegel is hearing about Bulls’ Zion Williamson, Yves Missi trade interest appeared first on ClutchPoints.