Trey Murphy and Herbert Jones — those two names, more than any other, stood out as the stuff of dreams for Los Angeles Lakers fans. For many, this franchise was just one trade for either of those two guys away from truly competing this season. It's not going to happen.
NBA insider Chris Haynes chimed in with an update from the New Orleans Pelicans ahead of the looming trade deadline. Their stance was made perfectly clear regarding several of their players who could have emerged as potential targets before the window closes on championship-hungry teams looking to improve.
Haynes wrote, "Sources: New Orleans Pelicans are disappointing the market in informing teams that Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears will remain with the organization past Feb. 5 trade deadline."
It is odd for Queen and Fears to have been included in that sentiment. Perhaps the wording was a touch awkward, and all that message really says is those five guys are untouchable for the time being. It's not like the Lakers were in a great position to land either Jones or Murphy. However, this may be the official dagger in the heart for Los Angeles fans.
Lakers' list of trade options shrinks with Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones officially out
The Lakers got a close-up look at just how good both players are not too long ago. Los Angeles won a competitive 111-103 ball game over the Pelicans on Tuesday, but Murphy and Jones both stood out in their own way.
The former absolutely torched the Lakers defense. Murphy dropped 42 points, shooting 14-of-26 from the field, despite the loss.
The latter's impact was quieter, as far as the box score goes. However, Jones' defensive pressure showed up throughout the night for the Pelicans. Anyone watching the game could see that.
It is fully understandable why New Orleans would not be in a rush to move either just for the sake of it. It is also completely comprehensible why other NBA insiders like Jake Fischer discussed the Pelicans setting such a high price for either player that rival teams were doubtful they were ever truly available in the first place.
The 3-and-D market is dry. So much so that Lakers fans have been encouraged to prepare for a quiet trade deadline. A lot can change between now and February, but as things currently stand, there are not a ton of options that truly move the needle in Los Angeles.