Earlier in the season, Chris B. Haynes reported frustration in the Phoenix Suns’ locker room over the lack of a true point guard. Haynes followed up by mentioning the Suns “have registered interest in New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray.” This report came as news surfaced that Murray requested a trade from the Pelicans after their disastrous start to the year.
The Phoenix Suns have registered interest in New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray who has let it be known that he seeks a change of scenery, league sources tell me.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 13, 2026
Murray is a solid option to fill their needs, but a smarter one would be Darius Garland of the LA Clippers. Why? Because the two-time All-Star would immediately become the best floor general they’ve had since Chris Paul, thanks to his high IQ, knack for creating for others, and ability to operate as a high-end secondary scorer.
So, before pursuing Murray any further, the Suns’ front office needs to call the Clippers to work out a deal for Garland if they want arguably the best guard available.
Why Darius Garland is a better option for the Suns than Dejounte Murray
It makes all the sense in the world why the Phoenix Suns are interested in Dejounte Murray. He can score, rebound, make plays, and hold his own on the defensive end. He didn't make the All-Star team in his final days with the San Antonio Spurs for nothing.
This season, Murray is averaging 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, shooting 43.1% from the field and just under 30% from beyond the arc.
Those numbers are solid… But they aren’t on Darius Garland's level. The LA Clippers guard is averaging 20.7 points and 6.9 assists, shooting 46.7% from the field and 36.0% from beyond the arc.
Clearly, Garland is a far better scorer and playmaker. Although his injury history isn’t the best, given the amount of time he missed in his days with the Cleveland Cavaliers, it’s notably better than Murray’s.
In fact, over the last two seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, Murray played 45 games. Yes, you read that correctly, and it’s because he has had surgeries on his hand and even suffered a devastating Achilles injury.
The worst part? Garland’s salary is only $10 million more than Murray’s.
So, when you weigh every factor, Garland’s fit in Phoenix looks better than Murray's at nearly every angle.
Additionally, it probably only cost them Jalen Green, who is currently underperforming, a salary filler, and draft compensation for Garland, making the idea of the Suns snagging him at the deadline even better.
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