Trey Murphy III Bio
Kenneth “Trey” Murphy III is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on June 18, 2000, in Durham, North Carolina, Murphy has emerged as one of the league’s most promising young forwards since being drafted in 2021. He played college basketball for the Rice Owls and the Virginia Cavaliers, where he became the most recent Men’s NCAA basketball player to achieve a 50–40–90 shooting season. Selected 17th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies before being traded to New Orleans, Murphy has developed into a key piece of the Pelicans’ core, known for his three-point shooting and versatility on both ends of the floor.
Early Life and Background
Murphy was born in Durham, North Carolina, to his mother, Albeda, and father, Kenneth Murphy Jr., who played college basketball at East Carolina from 1986 to 1988. The family nickname tradition runs deep in the Murphy household, with Trey earning his nickname because his father goes by “Kenny” and his grandfather goes by “Ken.” Growing up in North Carolina, Murphy developed his love for basketball while following in his father’s athletic footsteps.
Murphy attended Cary Academy in Cary, North Carolina, for high school where he experienced a remarkable growth spurt. Standing just 5’8″ as a freshman, he did not reach 6’4″ until his senior year. This continued growth trajectory saw him reach his current height of 6’8″ by the time he entered the NBA. As a senior at Cary Academy, Murphy averaged 24.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while shooting 49.4% from the floor. He also demonstrated elite perimeter shooting ability, converting 43.6% from three-point range and 85.8% from the free-throw line, foreshadowing his future success as a sniper from beyond the arc.
Path to Professional Basketball
Murphy committed to playing college basketball for Rice University on October 4, 2017. His recruitment came after an impressive high school career that showcased his scoring ability and three-point shooting touch. The transition to the collegiate level would prove to be a launching pad for his professional aspirations.
At Rice, Murphy immediately made an impact as a freshman, appearing in all 32 games while coming off the bench 31 times. He averaged 8.4 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, ranking fourth in Conference USA in three-point field goal percentage at 42.1% and setting the school freshman record in that category. On January 26, 2019, he scored a career-high of 24 points against UAB, hitting five three-pointers while going a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. As a sophomore, Murphy led the Owls in scoring with 13.7 points per game, recording 25 double-figure scoring games and six 20-point performances.
On March 30, 2020, Murphy entered the transfer portal and transferred to Virginia on April 14, 2020. North Carolina native and future teammate Justin McKoy helped recruit him to Charlottesville. Due to COVID-19 affecting college basketball, Murphy was granted three years of immediate eligibility instead of the typical two. At Virginia under Tony Bennett, Murphy elevated his game to new heights. Coming off the bench initially, he scored 21 points while shooting 7-of-9 from the field in the season opener. He earned his first start against William & Mary in late December 2020 and started the remainder of the season. NBA scouts recognized his potential, viewing him as a top 45 draft prospect. As a junior, he averaged 11.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while posting his historic 50–43–93 shooting line. He declared for the 2021 NBA draft while maintaining eligibility and ultimately signed with an agent on June 21, 2021, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility.
Trey Murphy III Career
Rookie Season (2021–2022)
Murphy was selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, but his draft rights were immediately traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. On August 10, 2021, he signed his rookie scale contract with the Pelicans. On October 20, 2021, Murphy made his NBA debut, recording six points and two assists in a 117–97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. During his rookie season, Murphy had multiple assignments to the Pelicans’ G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, allowing him to develop his game in extended minutes.
The Pelicans qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2018, facing the Phoenix Suns during their first-round series. Murphy made his playoff debut on April 17, recording six points, four rebounds, and two assists in a 110–99 Game 1 loss. The Pelicans ultimately fell to the Suns in six games, but the playoff experience proved invaluable for Murphy’s development.
Breakthrough Seasons (2022–2024)
Murphy’s second season saw him take significant strides in his development. On February 5, 2023, he scored a then season-high 30 points alongside four rebounds and two assists in a 136–104 win over the Sacramento Kings. In February 2023, Murphy was selected to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah. He advanced to the final round but finished as the runner-up to Mac McClung, showcasing his athleticism to a national audience.
Less than a month later, on March 12, 2023, Murphy put up a season-high and then career-high 41 points in a 127–110 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. This performance announced him as a legitimate scoring threat in the league. The 2023–24 season brought increased responsibility and production as Murphy continued establishing himself as a core piece of the Pelicans’ rotation.
New Orleans Pelicans Era (2021–Present)
On October 3, 2024, the Pelicans announced that Murphy would miss the start of the regular season due to a right hamstring strain suffered during training camp. Despite this setback, the franchise demonstrated its commitment to Murphy by signing him to a four-year, $112 million contract extension on October 21, 2024. He played in 53 games (51 starts) for New Orleans during the season, averaging career-highs of 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game before suffering a torn labrum and partial rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder on March 17, 2025, which ended his season.
The 2025–26 season marked Murphy’s return to full health and a historic offensive explosion. On January 4, 2026, he made his 693rd career three-pointer and finished with 27 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block in a 125–106 loss to the Miami Heat. This performance pushed him past CJ McCollum to become the all-time leader in three-pointers made in Pelicans franchise history. He followed this milestone with a 42-point performance in a 111–103 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on January 6. From the start of January through mid-month, Murphy averaged 31.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. On February 4, he set a new career-high with 44 points in a 141–137 overtime loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Driving Style and Strengths
Murphy has established himself as one of the premier three-point shooters in the NBA, combining elite shooting efficiency with不断提升的得分能力. His ability to space the floor as a small forward and power forward makes him a versatile weapon in the Pelicans’ system. He excels at catching and shooting off screens, running off screens for transition threes, and has developed the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. His 6’8″ frame allows him to shoot over smaller defenders while his shooting touch remains elite from all distances.
Notable Events and Milestones
Murphy’s career has been marked by several significant milestones including becoming the most recent NCAA player to achieve a 50–40–90 season, earning a runner-up finish in the 2023 Slam Dunk Contest, becoming the Pelicans’ all-time leader in three-pointers made, and signing a lucrative $112 million extension. His progression from a role player to a franchise cornerstone exemplifies his dedication to continuous improvement.
Trey Murphy III Career Statistics
Murphy has built an impressive statistical profile through his NBA career, highlighted by consistent improvement in his scoring average and shooting efficiency. His rookie season provided the foundation while subsequent years have seen exponential growth in his contributions across multiple categories.
NBA Highlights
Through the 2025–26 season, Murphy has established himself as a 20+ point per game scorer with the ability to fill the stat sheet. His career-high of 44 points came during an overtime thriller against the Milwaukee Bucks. He became the Pelicans’ all-time leader in three-pointers made, surpassing CJ McCollum in early 2026. Murphy’s efficiency from deep has remained a consistent strength throughout his career, making him a gravity player that defenses must account for on every possession.
College Statistics
At Virginia during the 2020–21 season, Murphy posted remarkable shooting percentages of 50% from the field, 43% from three-point range, and 93% from the free-throw line, becoming the most recent Men’s NCAA player to achieve the coveted 50–40–90 threshold. At Rice during his sophomore season, he led the Owls in scoring with 13.7 points per game while shooting 42.1% from three-point range.
Trey Murphy III Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Murphy comes from an athletic family with deep roots in basketball. His father, Kenneth Murphy Jr., played college basketball at East Carolina from 1986 to 1988, providing Trey with an early introduction to the game and mentorship from someone who understood the demands of collegiate athletics. This family connection to basketball has clearly influenced Murphy’s development and passion for the sport.
Personal Life
The Murphy family maintains a tradition of nicknames that Trey has embraced throughout his life. His father goes by “Kenny,” his grandfather goes by “Ken,” and as the third generation, he earned the name “Trey” to distinguish himself from his father and grandfather. This naming convention reflects the close-knit nature of the Murphy family. Murphy continues to reside in New Orleans with his focus centered on basketball as he works to establish himself among the NBA’s elite players.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 season represented a breakout campaign for Murphy before it was cut short by injury. Appearing in 53 games with 51 starts, he averaged career-highs of 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His scoring average jumped significantly from previous seasons, establishing him as a primary offensive option alongside the Pelicans’ other star players. The contract extension signed in October 2024 reflected the franchise’s belief in his trajectory and importance to the team’s future.
The season took a disappointing turn when Murphy suffered a torn labrum and partial rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder on March 17, 2025, forcing him to miss the remainder of the campaign. This injury occurred at a time when Murphy was enjoying the most productive stretch of his career. The Pelicans’ season ended without their emerging star, highlighting both his value to the team and the challenges the franchise faced in his absence.
The 2025–26 season represents a comeback narrative for Murphy as he looks to return from injury and build upon his 2024–25 breakthrough. His early-season performance, including becoming the Pelicans’ all-time leader in three-pointers made and scoring multiple 40-point games, suggests he has not lost any of his offensive prowess. The partnership with the Pelicans’ coaching staff and his continued development as a complete player will determine how far he can push both himself and the franchise in the seasons ahead.