The 3 players that the Pelicans have declared "untouchable" in the NBA

New Orleans Pelicans has made its position clear ahead of the NBA trade deadline on February 5: the team has no intention of parting ways with its key players. As communicated internally to other teams in the league, Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones are not available for trade, nor are the young players Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears.

In recent weeks, Williamson's name resurfaced strongly in market rumors, accompanied by similar speculations about Murphy and Jones. These rumors stemmed from the notion that the Pelicans might consider a deep restructuring, focusing on their rookies Queen and Fears. However, the organization has completely ruled out that scenario in the near term.

One key factor behind this decision is the team's draft situation. New Orleans does not control its 2026 first-round pick, which removes any real incentive to kickstart a rebuilding process during the season. Without the opportunity to benefit from a poor record, the Pelicans see no point in dismantling their current roster.

Furthermore, the contractual stability of their players reinforces this stance. Herb Jones signed an extension during the preseason, preventing him from becoming a free agent before 2029 at the earliest. Meanwhile, Trey Murphy is in the first year of his new contract, linking him to the team until the 2028-29 season, solidifying his role as a long-term piece in the project.

The Situation of Zion Williamson

Regarding Zion Williamson, the power forward remains under contract until the 2027-28 season, providing the franchise with flexibility and control over his future without the immediate pressure to make drastic decisions.

With this stance, the Pelicans aim to quell speculations and convey a clear message to the rest of the league: there will be no high-profile sales or structural moves before the deadline, and the team will continue to invest in its current core while assessing its progress throughout the season.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 3 jugadores que los Pelicans han declarado "intransferibles" en la NBA