Trey Murphy III

Trey Murphy III is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans, known for his elite three-point shooting and explosive athleticism. As a 6-foot-8 wing with a 7-foot wingspan, he combines the shooting touch of a marksman with the leaping ability to throw down highlight dunks. Murphy's efficiency from beyond the arc, he shot over 40% from three in multiple NBA seasons, has made him one of the league's premier spot-up threats. His game is defined by smooth mechanics, a quick release, and the ability to score off movement. Defensively, his length and quickness allow him to guard multiple positions, making him a valuable two-way player. Pelicans fans have embraced him as a core piece of the team's young core alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Murphy's calm demeanor and quiet confidence on the court have earned him the nickname "The Silent Assassin" among local media. As of 2026, he is averaging career highs across the board and has emerged as a candidate for Most Improved Player, with his four-year, $112 million extension reflecting his growing importance to the franchise.[edit]

Murphy grew up in Durham, North Carolina, where basketball was always part of the household. His father, Trey Murphy II, played college ball at North Carolina Central, and young Trey would tag along to gyms and camps from an early age. He attended Cary Academy for most of high school, where he was a solid but unspectacular prospect, ranked as a three-star recruit outside the top 200 nationally. For his senior season, he transferred to Durham Academy, hoping to raise his profile. Even so, major programs showed little interest. Murphy committed to Rice University, a mid-major program in Houston, where he played two seasons as a role player on struggling teams. His shooting efficiency was good but not eye-popping. After his sophomore year, he entered the transfer portal and landed at the University of Virginia, a program known for its defensive rigor and methodical offense. The move proved transformative. Sitting out the 2020–2021 season due to transfer rules, Murphy spent the year refining his mechanics in practice against Virginia's elite defense. When he finally took the court for the Cavaliers, he posted one of the most efficient shooting seasons in college history, 50.3% from the field, 43.3% from three, and 92.7% from the free-throw line. That 50/40/90 season, a rare benchmark of shooting excellence, vaulted him onto NBA draft boards almost overnight.[edit]

The New Orleans Pelicans selected Murphy with the 17th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, acquiring the pick from the Memphis Grizzlies. As a rookie, he played 62 games, averaging 5.4 points while shooting 38.2% from three in limited minutes. His second season was a breakout: he started 65 of 79 games, averaged 14.5 points, and finished second in the NBA in three-point percentage at 40.6% on over 200 attempts. His emergence as a reliable sharpshooter and versatile defender made him a fixture in the Pelicans' rotation. In the 2023–2024 season, Murphy posted 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top spot-up shooters. The 2024–2025 season saw another leap: 19.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 39.1% from three. That summer, the Pelicans locked him up with a four-year, $112 million contract extension. Through the first half of the 2025–2026 season, Murphy is averaging a career-high 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, earning a spot in the NBA Three-Point Contest at All-Star Weekend and generating buzz as a Most Improved Player candidate.[edit]

Murphy's public persona is defined by a calm, understated demeanor that contrasts with his explosive dunks and sharp shooting. He is often described as a "late bloomer" and an "overachiever" by media, who highlight his journey from a lightly recruited high school prospect to a core NBA player. His playing style, smooth, mechanically sound, and quietly confident, has earned him the nickname "The Silent Assassin" among Pelicans fans. Off the court, he favors a minimalist, casual wardrobe of hoodies, jeans, and sneakers, and rarely engages in online controversy. His social media presence is professional and sparse; he posts mainly game highlights, training clips, and occasional personal updates. Pelicans fans have embraced him as a fan favorite, with his number 25 jersey among the team's top sellers. There is no official fandom name, but supporters often refer to him as "Trey" or "Murph."[edit]

Trey Murphy III commands a dedicated following among New Orleans Pelicans supporters, though his audience lacks a formalized collective identity or an official moniker. While social media interactions and community appearances demonstrate strong individual support, there is no documented evidence of a structured fanbase with a specific name, organized chart campaigns, or unique rituals that distinguish them as a named entity within the broader basketball culture. His presence is characterized by steady appreciation for his on-court efficiency rather than the frenetic energy of a viral movement. Regarding his standing in the global consciousness, iFANN has evaluated his profile extensively. The Global Fame Engine assessed this subject in August 2026 and determined that he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, meaning he is not listed within the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This absence from the ranked tables indicates that while his professional reputation is secure, his name has not yet crossed the threshold into the tier of globally ubiquitous celebrities tracked by the engine's metrics. The assessment reflects a status where influence remains concentrated within the specific domain of professional basketball and regional markets rather than expanding into universal recognition. Consequently, no numerical rank or score can be assigned to his current fame level based on the available data.[edit]

Murphy maintains a disciplined approach to both his mental game and his public image. He is an avid chess player who credits the strategic nature of the game with enhancing his decision-making on the court. A self-described late bloomer, he entered the NBA after being a three-star recruit ranked outside the top 200 nationally, a trajectory that media outlets frequently cite as a reflection of his overachievement. During his tenure at Virginia, he achieved a rare 50/40/90 shooting season, placing him in an elite group alongside historical figures like Steve Kerr and Jimmer Fredette. His pregame ritual involves listening to classical music to maintain focus, and he wears jersey number 25, a number he carried from his college days. Off the court, he adopted a golden retriever named Rookie during his rookie season and favors a minimalist wardrobe. In the realm of local lore, it is noted that Murphy became the franchise leader in three-pointers made for the Pelicans, a statistical milestone celebrated by the city. He also hosts an annual basketball and back-to-school bash in Durham, North Carolina, a charitable event where he distributes supplies to students, cementing his reputation as a community pillar rather than just a scorer.[edit]

Murphy's father, Trey Murphy II, played college basketball at North Carolina Central University, and the two share a close bond. His father often attends games and has been a steady influence on his career. Murphy also has a younger sister, though she stays out of the public eye. The family is tight-knit, and Murphy frequently credits his parents for instilling his work ethic and grounded personality. He owns a home in the New Orleans area, purchased in 2022, as well as a property in Durham, North Carolina. He does not have children and is not married.[edit]

Murphy is closely associated with his Pelicans teammates Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Herb Jones, forming a young core that has grown together. Head coach Willie Green has been instrumental in his development, as was Virginia coach Tony Bennett. Off the court, Murphy maintains a close relationship with his father, Trey Murphy II, who played at North Carolina Central.[edit]

Murphy has kept his romantic life largely private. During his early NBA years (2021–2023), he was in a relationship with a woman whose name has not been publicly disclosed. The relationship ended amicably around 2023, with no public statements about the split. In 2023–2024, there was brief speculation linking him to a social media influencer based on social media activity, but neither party confirmed the pairing, and credible outlets did not verify it. As of early 2026, Murphy is reportedly single and focused on his basketball career. He has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationship since 2023 and has no known children.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Trey Murphy III's net worth stands at $18 Million as of 2026. The bulk of this accumulation stems from his professional contract, specifically his current salary of approximately $4.8 million, which represents the final year of his rookie-scale deal running through the 2025–2026 season. Looking ahead, a four-year, $112 million extension is scheduled to commence in 2026–2027. Commercial partnerships contribute an estimated $500,000 to $1 million annually, anchored by a long-standing agreement with Nike signed in 2021, licensing deals with Panini America, and a regional sponsorship with a New Orleans-area automotive dealer. Beyond his earnings, Murphy has diversified his portfolio by investing in technology startups via an athlete-focused venture capital fund, although the specific assets remain private. His real estate holdings include a residence in the New Orleans metropolitan area acquired for $1.2 million in 2022 and a separate property in Durham, North Carolina. In 2023, he established a charitable foundation dedicated to youth basketball development in underserved communities.[edit]

Murphy was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2022. In college, he earned ACC All-Academic Team honors and was named Virginia's Most Improved Player in 2021. His career is still in its early stages, and he has not yet won All-Star or All-NBA honors.[edit]