Trey Murphy III 

Kenneth “Trey” Murphy III (born June 18, 2000) is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A 6-foot-8 forward with a 7-foot wingspan, Murphy has evolved from a three-and-D specialist into one of the league’s most efficient and dangerous offensive weapons. 

Early life

College Career

Murphy began his college career at Rice University, where he set freshman records for three-point accuracy. Seeking higher competition, he transferred to the University of Virginia for the 2020–21 season. Under coach Tony Bennett, Murphy became the most recent NCAA Division I player to record a 50–40–90 season, shooting 50.3% from the field, 43.3% from three, and 92.7% from the free-throw line. This historic efficiency made him a coveted prospect, leading to his selection with the 17th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

NBA Career 

The New Orleans Pelicans (2021-Present)

After being drafted by Memphis and immediately traded to New Orleans, Murphy quickly became a fan favorite.

• Year 2 Leap (2022–23): Murphy finished seventh in Most Improved Player voting after bumping his scoring average by nearly 10 points per game. He also competed in the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, showcasing the elite athleticism that complements his perimeter game.
• The 21-PPG Threshold (2024–25): Despite missing the start of the season with a hamstring strain and later suffering a shoulder injury in March 2025, Murphy emerged as a “feared offensive weapon,” averaging 21.2 points and establishing himself as a top-tier wing.

Current 2025–26 Season: All-Star Trajectory

As of February 12, 2026, Murphy is in the midst of a career-best season. He is currently averaging 22.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His playmaking has seen a significant jump, as he has taken on a larger ball-handling role in the absence of veteran teammates.

Recent Milestones:

• January 4, 2026: Murphy became the all-time leader in three-pointers made in Pelicans franchise history, surpassing CJ McCollum.
• February 4, 2026: In an overtime thriller against the Milwaukee Bucks, Murphy erupted for a career-high 44 points. During this game, he connected on 12 three-pointers, a Pelicans franchise record and the eighth-highest single-game total in NBA history.
• Defensive Impact: He currently ranks in the top 10 in the NBA for steals per game (1.5), proving his “two-way” value.

Player Profile

Murphy is the quintessential modern wing. He possesses a “limitless” shooting range, often pulling up from well beyond the arc, yet he is equally dangerous as a rim-runner. His high release point makes his jumper nearly impossible to block, and his defensive versatility allows him to guard positions one through four. His contract extension—a four-year, $112 million deal signed in October 2024—now looks like one of the best values in the league given his All-Star level production.