Introduction
Trey Murphy III is a name that has been gaining increasing prominence in the world of professional basketball. Born on June 18, 2000, in Durham, North Carolina, this 6’8″ (2.03 m), 205-pound (93 kg) young man stands out as a small forward for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. With a rare combination of precise long-range shooting, solid defense, and athletic ability, Murphy embodies the modern prototype of a versatile player. His journey, marked by overcoming injuries and explosive highlight moments, inspires a new generation of athletes. In a league where consistency reigns supreme, Trey has proven himself not just a deadly shooter, but a complete competitor capable of influencing games in multiple ways.
In this article, we explore Trey Murphy III’s trajectory, from his high school roots to the NBA spotlight. We’ll dive into his evolution as a player, the challenges faced, and future prospects, with a focus on the most recent events of the 2025-26 season. Get ready to meet the man behind the impressive statistics.
Childhood and Early Steps in Basketball
Basketball passion runs in the Murphy family veins. The son of Kenneth Murphy Jr., who played at East Carolina University from 1986 to 1988, Trey grew up in an environment where the orange ball was more than a sport—it was a legacy. Nicknamed “Trey” to distinguish him from his father (“Kenny”) and grandfather (“Ken”), he started dribbling early, absorbing lessons in dedication and technique.
In high school, Trey attended Cary Academy in Cary, North Carolina. That’s where his talent truly began to blossom. As a senior, he led the team with averages of 24.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, shooting with remarkable efficiency: 49.4% from the field, 43.6% from three-point range, and 85.8% from the free-throw line. These numbers caught the attention of college scouts, leading him to commit to Rice University in October 2017. At 17, Trey was already dreaming of the NBA, but he knew the path would require patience and hard work.
Off the court, Trey was known for his humility. Friends and coaches described him as a focused young man who balanced studies and training without complaint. This solid foundation of character would prove crucial in the years ahead, when opportunities didn’t always come easily.
College Career: From Rice to Virginia
Arriving at Rice University marked the official start of Trey’s collegiate journey. In his freshman year, 2018-19, he played in all 32 games, mostly coming off the bench, and posted averages of 8.4 points and 2.6 rebounds. His standout was three-point shooting: 42.1% accuracy, placing him fourth in Conference USA and setting a Rice freshman record. In January 2019 against UAB, he exploded for 24 points, including five threes, proving his potential as a scorer.
In his sophomore year, 2019-20, Trey took on more responsibility, starting 23 of the 29 games he played. He led the team in scoring with 13.7 points per game, recording 25 double-digit games, including two double-doubles and six games over 20 points. Despite the solid numbers, Rice wasn’t a powerhouse, and Trey felt the need for a bigger leap. In March 2020, he entered the transfer portal—a decision that would change everything.
Transferring to the prestigious University of Virginia in April 2020, Trey benefited from COVID-19 pandemic rules allowing immediate eligibility. In the 2020-21 season, he started off the bench but soon became a starter. In 25 games, he accumulated 11.3 points and 3.4 rebounds, with impressive efficiency: 50% from the field, 43% from three, and 93% from the free-throw line. This combination made him the most recent NCAA men’s player (as of 2025) to achieve a 50-40-90 season. His game against the season’s opening opponent, with 21 points, signaled what was to come. In June 2021, Trey declared for the NBA Draft, signing with an agent and forgoing remaining eligibility. At 21, he was ready for the next level.
NBA Entry and Initial Adaptation
The 2021 Draft was a milestone. Selected 17th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, Trey was immediately traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in a deal involving future picks. He signed his rookie contract in August of that year, securing financial stability for himself and his family.
His NBA debut came in October 2021 against the Philadelphia 76ers, with six points and two assists in a loss. The 2021-22 rookie season was one of learning: in 62 games off the bench, he played just 13.9 minutes per game, scoring 5.4 points and grabbing 2.4 rebounds, with 38.2% from three. Assignments to the Birmingham Squadron in the G League helped refine his game. In the playoffs against the Phoenix Suns, he recorded six points, four rebounds, and two assists in his postseason debut.
These early moments were challenging. Far from home, adapting to the league’s intensity, Trey faced criticism for inconsistency. But he used it as fuel. Coaches noted his work ethic: extra gym hours, video analysis, and focus on defense—areas needing polish.
Rise with the Pelicans: Seasons of Consolidation
The turnaround came in the 2022-23 season. In 79 games with 65 starts, Trey jumped to 14.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 31 minutes, shooting 40.6% from three. His 30 points against the Sacramento Kings in February 2023 and 41 against the Portland Trail Blazers in March showed maturity. He shone in the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend, and in the 2023 Slam Dunk Contest, he reached the final, losing to Mac McClung in a display of creative dunks.
In 2023-24, his numbers rose to 14.8 points and 4.9 rebounds in 29.7 minutes, with 38% from three. In the playoffs against the Suns again, he started all four games, averaging 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 42 minutes. His versatility—defending wings and smaller bigs while stretching the floor—made him a key piece in Willie Green’s system.
The 2024-25 season promised to be one of affirmation. With career averages of 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 35 minutes, shooting 45.4% from the field and 88.7% from the free-throw line. In October 2024, he signed a four-year, $112 million extension—a well-deserved recognition. But fate intervened: a right hamstring injury sidelined him early, and in March 2025, a labrum tear and partial rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder ended his campaign. Despite the frustration, Trey used the time to recover, training with physiotherapists and studying the game.
Triumphant Return in the 2025-26 Season
Back in November 2025, Trey Murphy III is rewriting his narrative. In the 2025-26 season so far, he has averaged 18.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, with 43.5% from the field in seven games. His three-point shooting remains sharp, and he has become the second-leading three-point scorer in Pelicans history, behind only CJ McCollum.
The highlight came on November 8, 2025, against the San Antonio Spurs: 41 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and one steal in a tight 126-119 loss. It was a reminder of his explosive potential—step-back threes, mismatch attacks, and renewed confidence. Two days earlier in Dallas, he contributed crucial points in a 101-99 victory. On November 13, against the Mavericks again? Wait, no: in a recent game against the Charlotte Hornets on November 4, a 116-112 win, and a 137-106 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on the 2nd.
On November 12, Trey recorded 22 points, five rebounds, five assists, and one steal in 39 minutes in a 125-117 loss to an unspecified opponent, but his impact was undeniable. Trade rumors with teams like the Golden State Warriors are circulating—with his $25 million salary this year and contract guaranteed for three more—but the Pelicans seem committed to keeping him as a cornerstone. In the NBA Cup, the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 14 was highly anticipated, where Trey could break more three-point records.
His physical and mental recovery impresses. “I feel stronger, more prepared,” he said in a post-game interview on November 5. With the team fighting for a playoff spot, Trey is the offensive engine alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
Playing Style, Achievements, and Off-Court Impact
What makes Trey unique? His elite three-point shooting—38.3% career—but he doesn’t stop there. With a 7’2″ (2.18 m) wingspan, he defends multiple positions, steals balls, and blocks shots. His off-ball movement and game reading make him a constant threat. Career stats: in 251 regular-season games (140 starts), 13.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 27.3 minutes. In the playoffs, 10 games with 7.7 points.
Achievements include the 2023 Slam Dunk Contest runner-up and the multimillion-dollar extension. Off the court, Trey is active in New Orleans community causes, visiting schools and promoting youth basketball. He also engages in fashion and music, balancing stardom with humble roots.
Future and Legacy in the Making
At 25, Trey Murphy III is in his prime. With a contract through 2028, he eyes All-Star selections and championship rings. If he maintains his current pace—and avoids injuries—he could become one of the league’s most valued wings. For the Pelicans, he is the link between tradition and innovation, helping transform the team into a contender.
Trey’s story is one of resilience: from an underrated rookie to a rising star. In 2025, with 41 points in San Antonio and records being broken, he proves basketball is about moments. The world watches, and New Orleans celebrates its local hero. What comes next? Only time—and the courts—will tell.
