If you’ve been checking the box scores lately, you know the New Orleans Pelicans news hasn’t exactly been a sunshine-and-rainbows situation. Honestly, it’s been a rough ride. As of mid-January 2026, the Pels are sitting at a dismal 10-33 record. That’s dead last in the Western Conference. If you’re a fan, you’re probably wondering how a team with this much talent on paper—at least when healthy—ended up staring at the bottom of the barrel.
But here’s the thing: Wednesday night actually gave us a flicker of something different. The Pelicans managed to scrape out a 116-113 win over the Brooklyn Nets at the Smoothie King Center. It wasn't pretty, but a win's a win, right? Especially when you're the team with the league's worst record. Trey Murphy III went absolutely nuclear with 34 points, and Saddiq Bey, who's been battling a hip strain, stepped up big time in the closing minutes.
The Zion Williamson Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about Zion. You just can’t avoid it. Lately, the vibe around Williamson has been... complicated. He’s healthy, which is great! He’s playing in back-to-back sets, which is even better! Against the Nets, he was efficient as heck, putting up 25 points on 11-of-14 shooting. He looked like the dominant force we all know he can be.
Yet, there is this growing noise about a trade. Some folks, including analysts over at Sports Illustrated, are starting to say the "obvious" move is to move on. Why? Because the fit feels clunky. When Zion is on the floor, the spacing gets weird, especially with the newer young core. The Pels are actually scoring one point less per 100 possessions with him on the court than off. That’s a stat that’ll make any GM sweat.
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The rumors are swirling that teams like the Chicago Bulls might be interested, but the front office, led by Joe Dumars, is playing it cool. They’re reportedly telling everyone "no" on trade inquiries for now. They seem to be betting on the idea that once everyone is healthy, the math will finally start to work.
Injuries are the Same Old Story
It feels like every time we talk about New Orleans Pelicans news, we’re just reading a medical chart. It’s exhausting.
- Dejounte Murray: The big summer acquisition hasn't even played a minute this season due to a right Achilles rupture. James Borrego says he's working his tail off in rehab, but there’s still no return date.
- Herb Jones: He’s been out with a right ankle sprain. The team is 1-14 when he doesn't play. That tells you everything you need to know about his value.
- Jose Alvarado: Dealing with a left oblique strain. His energy off the bench is sorely missed.
Basically, the roster is a revolving door. One guy comes back—like Saddiq Bey just did—and two others are still in street clothes. It makes it impossible for the team to find any rhythm.
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The Future Belongs to the Kids
If there is a silver lining to this season (and you have to look really hard to find it), it’s the rookies. Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears are the real deal. Queen recently put up a triple-double against the Wizards, and Fears has been steady in the backcourt.
The Pelicans are at a crossroads. Do they keep trying to make the Zion/CJ/Murray veteran core work, or do they lean into the youth movement? Trey Murphy III is clearly a star in the making—he’s the guy the front office has basically labeled as "untouchable" with a massive price tag.
What’s Next for the Pels?
The trade deadline is February 5, and it’s going to be a wild few weeks. While the front office says they aren't "aggressively" selling, a few more losses might change that tune. They’ve got the Indiana Pacers coming up on Friday. Indiana isn't exactly a juggernaut right now either, so it’s a winnable game if Zion and Murphy can replicate that Nets performance.
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Actionable Insights for Pelicans Fans:
- Watch the Minutes: Keep a close eye on how much run Derik Queen gets. If his minutes keep climbing, it’s a sign the team is pivoting toward the future.
- Trade Deadline Countdown: Mark February 5 on your calendar. If Herb Jones or even Zion is moved, the entire direction of the franchise changes in an instant.
- Health Watch: Monitor the practice reports for Dejounte Murray. Even if he doesn't play this season, seeing him in a jersey during warmups would be a huge psychological boost for this locker room.
The next few weeks will define the next five years of basketball in New Orleans. Whether they stand pat or blow it up, the current status quo simply isn't working.