Murphy injured his right shoulder during a March 17 game against the Pistons, and a labral tear was discovered in the ensuing MRI. A timeline for his return is unknown, but the Pelicans announced Wednesday that the procedure was successful. Murphy had a career year in 2024-25, averaging 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.7 blocks and 3.0 three-pointers per game. With Brandon Ingram traded to Toronto at the February deadline, the Pelicans clearly view Murphy as a critical piece in the team’s rebuild.

Despite a delayed start to the season, this was a healthy year overall for Murphy despite all the injuries woes around him in New Orleans. That allowed him to enjoy a breakout season with averages of 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals and three triples per game. He was a fantasy superstar, but his year is officially over. There is no indication of a timeline at this point, but managers will be hoping that he is ready for the start of the 2025-26 season. Jordan Hawkins and Bruce Brown should see a bump in minutes over the final few weeks of the season.

Murphy’s night ended after playing just one minute, but the good news is that the team said the X-rays were negative. Jordan Hawkins and Bruce Brown will see a bump in minutes with Murphy sidelined for at least the rest of this game.