Pelicans Embrace 'Do Your Job' Mantra Amid Trade Deadline

New Orleans focuses on continuity over roster changes as NBA trade deadline approaches.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:15pm

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Despite occupying the Western Conference cellar for most of the season, the New Orleans Pelicans have resisted making any major roster moves ahead of the NBA trade deadline. Head coach James Borrego is instead stressing a 'do your job' mantra inspired by Bill Belichick, asking players like Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones to focus on their on-court performance rather than swirling trade rumors.

Why it matters

By maintaining roster continuity, the Pelicans are prioritizing internal development and evaluation over short-term wins. This approach aims to protect the long-term value of young assets like Williamson, Murphy, and Jones, while also preserving future flexibility for the front office.

The details

The Pelicans have rebuffed offers for several of their rotation players, including Jose Alvarado's expiring contract. Instead, the team's core of Williamson, Murphy, Jones, and Saddiq Bey all started in their most recent game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Coach Borrego has worked to insulate the team from trade deadline speculation, emphasizing a 'business as usual' mentality.

  • The Pelicans are 13-39 on the season, sitting 10 games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The players

James Borrego

The head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, who is stressing a 'do your job' mantra inspired by Bill Belichick to his players amid the NBA trade deadline.

Zion Williamson

The star forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, who the team is looking to protect from trade deadline speculation.

Trey Murphy III

A young wing player for the Pelicans whose team-friendly contract is being preserved through the trade deadline.

Herb Jones

A defensive-minded wing player for the Pelicans whose team-friendly contract is being preserved through the trade deadline.

Joe Dumars

The executive vice president of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, who is prioritizing continuity over roster changes ahead of the trade deadline.

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What they’re saying

“Just do your job, you know, try to keep it as simple as possible. Don't overthink it. You know it's out there, probably more so than ever with social media now. When I first came into the league, there were whispers, but not at your fingertips with the phone and all that. It's changed so much. There are so many rumors out there; just focus on the job. Keep it as simple as possible. Business as usual. It's understanding that they're human beings, you know, all these players. So, our goal is to just do our job tonight and move on from there.”

— James Borrego, Head Coach, New Orleans Pelicans (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Pelicans will continue to evaluate their roster and options leading up to the NBA trade deadline on February 9th.

The takeaway

By maintaining roster continuity and focusing on internal development, the Pelicans are prioritizing long-term stability over short-term roster changes. This approach aims to protect the value of their young assets and preserve future flexibility, even if it means sacrificing some wins in the current season.