Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Pedro Salcas
Trey Murphy III is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. Born Kenneth Murphy III on June 18, 2000, in Durham, North Carolina, he developed into one of the league’s talented three-point shooters after playing college basketball at Rice University and the University of Virginia. His journey to professional basketball was strongly influenced by his parents, particularly his father, a former college basketball player who coached him from childhood.
Trey Murphy III’s parents are Kenneth “Kenny” Murphy Jr. and Albeda Murphy. According to the New Orleans Pelicans’ official media guide, he is an only child and has no siblings. His father played basketball at East Carolina University from 1986 to 1988, while his mother provided encouragement and emotional support throughout his development. Although Murphy has spoken openly about his close relationship with his parents, he has maintained considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships and whether he has children.
Does Trey Murphy III Have a Girlfriend?
As of now, Trey Murphy III has not publicly confirmed that he is in a romantic relationship. The New Orleans Pelicans forward has generally maintained a private dating life, and reliable sports publications have not identified a current girlfriend.
Since entering the NBA in 2021, Murphy has participated in numerous interviews discussing his basketball career, relationship with his parents, personal development and experiences playing for New Orleans.
However, these interviews have focused primarily on his sporting achievements and family background rather than romantic relationships.
His social media presence also concentrates largely on basketball activities, professional appearances and interactions with teammates.
Although some online biographies have described Murphy as single, those claims have not been independently established through a direct public statement from the basketball player.
There is also no reliable public announcement confirming that he is married or engaged.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to identify a particular woman as his girlfriend or assume that he is single without stronger evidence.
His current relationship status remains undisclosed.
Does Trey Murphy III Have Children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports indicating that Trey Murphy III has children.
The American basketball player has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official NBA biography does not identify him as a father.
Most publicly documented information about his personal life concerns his parents, college education, professional basketball career and involvement in community activities.
Although Murphy has participated in initiatives supporting young people and families, those activities should not be confused with information about his own potential parenthood.
As of now, it remains unconfirmed whether Trey Murphy III has any children.
Who Are Trey Murphy III’s Parents?
Trey Murphy III was born to Kenneth Murphy Jr. and Albeda Murphy in Durham, North Carolina.
Both parents played important but different roles in his development as a basketball player.
His father introduced him to the sport at a young age and became one of his earliest coaches, while his mother emphasized personal character, emotional well-being and maintaining perspective throughout his basketball journey.
Their identities and involvement in his upbringing are confirmed in official NBA and University of Virginia biographies, as well as a July 2021 interview with ABC11 Raleigh-Durham.
Trey Murphy III’s Father: Kenneth “Kenny” Murphy Jr.
Kenneth Murphy Jr., commonly known as Kenny Murphy, is the father of NBA basketball player Trey Murphy III.
A former college basketball player, Kenny represented East Carolina University from 1986 to 1988.
His playing career with the East Carolina Pirates provided him with firsthand experience in competitive basketball and the training required to perform at the collegiate level.
After his playing career, Kenny remained involved in basketball through coaching and helping his son develop his skills.
According to a July 30, 2021, interview with ABC11 Raleigh-Durham, Kenny began coaching Trey when he was approximately five years old.
From the beginning, he established demanding expectations and encouraged his son to approach basketball with determination.
During the interview, Kenny explained that he believed young players needed to demonstrate genuine commitment rather than simply rely on natural talent.
He recalled challenging Trey during childhood because he wanted to discover whether his son possessed the persistence necessary to improve.
His approach was sometimes difficult for Trey, who later acknowledged that his father had been particularly demanding throughout his development.
However, as Trey grew older, he began appreciating the reasons behind that strict coaching style.
One meaningful moment occurred during a basketball tournament in Atlanta, when Trey was attracting interest from Rice University.
According to Kenny’s account, Trey told him that he finally understood why his father had pushed him so hard during previous years.
For Kenny, the conversation represented an important milestone in their relationship.
His son was beginning to recognize the connection between disciplined training and opportunities to compete at higher levels.
How Kenny Murphy Helped His Son Reach the NBA
Kenny Murphy remained closely involved in Trey’s basketball development throughout high school and college.
When Trey attended Cary Academy in North Carolina, Kenny continued encouraging him to improve his shooting, physical conditioning and understanding of the game.
Although Trey eventually became an accomplished college basketball player, he was not always considered an elite national prospect.
His father supported him through periods when major basketball programs were not heavily recruiting him.
Murphy initially attended Rice University, where he developed into an important contributor before transferring to the University of Virginia.
His father continued providing advice during the transition between universities and the decision to enter the NBA Draft.
In an April 2022 interview with Sports Illustrated journalist David Grubb, Kenny discussed his son’s adjustment to professional basketball.
He explained that young NBA players faced significant public pressure and needed strong support systems to manage expectations.
Kenny also described the challenges Trey experienced during his rookie season with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Although his son initially struggled to establish a consistent role, Kenny believed the experience would encourage him to become more determined.
He praised the Pelicans’ coaching staff for helping Trey develop confidence and understand that he could contribute even when his outside shots were not falling.
Kenny also attended games during road trips to support his son.
His continued involvement demonstrated that their relationship extended beyond the coaching responsibilities he had assumed during Trey’s childhood.
By the time Murphy established himself as one of the NBA’s promising shooters, his father’s guidance had become an important part of his career story.
Trey Murphy III’s Mother: Albeda Murphy
Albeda Murphy is the mother of NBA player Trey Murphy III and one of his most recognizable family supporters.
Unlike Kenny, who emphasized demanding basketball training, Albeda generally provided a more reassuring and supportive influence during Trey’s childhood.
In a July 2021 interview with ABC11 Raleigh-Durham, she discussed the different roles she and her husband played in raising their son.
While Kenny frequently challenged Trey’s basketball abilities, Albeda focused on helping him develop into a responsible and considerate person.
She explained that her primary ambition was not necessarily for Trey to become a professional athlete.
Instead, she wanted him to grow into someone who treated other people well and maintained strong personal values.
Albeda described Trey as relatively easy to raise and expressed pride in his character.
She also emphasized the importance of remaining supportive during difficult periods in his basketball development.
Her influence helped create a balance between the competitive expectations established by Kenny and the emotional support required by a young athlete.
During the 2021 NBA Draft, Albeda joined her family and friends in celebrating Trey’s selection by the New Orleans Pelicans.
She described the experience as emotional because she had witnessed years of training, uncertainty and personal sacrifices.
Although she had always believed in her son, she admitted that she had not necessarily expected him to reach the NBA.
Seeing him become a first-round draft pick was therefore a particularly meaningful experience.
Albeda Murphy’s Emotional Meeting With LeBron James
One of the most memorable moments involving Trey Murphy III and his mother occurred on March 27, 2022, following a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers.
Murphy scored 21 points as New Orleans overcame a significant deficit to defeat the Lakers 116–108.
The occasion was particularly special because it was Albeda Murphy’s birthday.
After the game, Trey arranged for his mother to meet NBA superstar LeBron James.
According to a report published by theScore on March 28, 2022, Albeda became emotional after meeting James and taking a photograph with him.
Journalists covering the game described her excitement as she celebrated the unexpected encounter.
The moment attracted considerable attention on social media because it illustrated the close relationship between Trey and his mother.
Despite having just defeated James and the Lakers, Murphy understood how meaningful meeting the basketball legend would be for Albeda.
The surprise became one of the most widely shared personal moments from his early NBA career.
Why Did Trey Murphy III’s Mother Interrupt His Press Conference?
Albeda Murphy attracted further attention on March 1, 2024, when she unexpectedly questioned her son during a postgame press conference.
The New Orleans Pelicans had just defeated the Indiana Pacers 129–102, with Trey scoring 28 points and collecting seven rebounds.
Although the performance was impressive, Albeda was dissatisfied with one aspect of her son’s game.
Murphy had missed three free throws during the contest.
During his press conference, Albeda joined the reporters and began questioning him about the missed opportunities.
According to CBS Sports, she reminded him that he could have scored 31 points if he had converted all three attempts.
She also referred to his previous success at the free-throw line and challenged him to explain why he had struggled.
Murphy initially attempted to move to another question, but his mother continued pressing him for an explanation.
The exchange became a humorous moment that was shared by the Pelicans’ official social media accounts.
Albeda’s appearance demonstrated that even after her son became an established NBA player, she continued holding him to high standards.
Her involvement also revealed a playful side of their relationship, combining encouragement, accountability and family humor.
Does Trey Murphy III Have Siblings?
No. Trey Murphy III is an only child, according to the New Orleans Pelicans’ official 2024–25 media guide.
The team’s player biography specifically identifies him as the only child of Kenneth and Albeda Murphy.
Consequently, he has no publicly identified biological brothers or sisters.
This distinction is important because some basketball fans may assume that the Roman numeral III in his name indicates a relationship with another professional athlete.
However, the numeral represents a naming tradition across generations of his family, not the number of siblings he has.
Although Murphy grew up without brothers or sisters, he developed close relationships with teammates and friends through basketball.
His father coached him from an early age, while his mother remained closely involved in supporting his ambitions.
The family’s experiences demonstrate how his parents provided different forms of guidance during his development.
Why Is Trey Murphy Called Trey Murphy III?
Trey Murphy III’s full name is Kenneth Murphy III.
He is the third generation of his family to carry the Kenneth Murphy name.
His father is Kenneth Murphy Jr., commonly known as Kenny, while his grandfather is known as Ken.
According to biographical reporting about the basketball player, the nickname Trey distinguishes him from the older generations of the family.
Rather than using Kenneth or Kenny, he became known as Trey because he is the third Kenneth Murphy.
The nickname eventually became part of his public identity throughout high school, college and professional basketball.
Today, he is widely recognized as Trey Murphy III, while official sports biographies also acknowledge the family naming tradition.
Trey Murphy III’s Grandfather and Family Naming Tradition
Trey Murphy III’s paternal grandfather is part of the naming tradition that connects three generations of the Murphy family.
The grandfather is known as Ken, while his son is Kenneth Murphy Jr., commonly called Kenny.
The NBA player became known as Trey to distinguish him from both older relatives.
Although the naming tradition is publicly documented, additional details about his grandfather’s occupation, educational background and personal life have not been extensively established in reliable sports reporting.
Most family interviews have concentrated on Trey’s parents because of their direct involvement in his basketball development.
Nevertheless, the shared name remains an important part of his family identity.
How Did Trey Murphy III’s Family Influence His Basketball Career?
Trey Murphy III’s journey to the NBA began in Durham, North Carolina, where he developed an interest in basketball as a young child.
His father, a former college basketball player, introduced him to organized training at approximately five years old.
The early training sessions emphasized discipline and consistent improvement.
Murphy later attended Cary Academy in Cary, North Carolina, where he developed into one of the school’s most accomplished basketball players.
During his high school career, he experienced significant physical growth and gradually became a more versatile athlete.
By his senior season, Murphy averaged 24.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
He also shot 43.6 percent from three-point range and 85.8 percent from the free-throw line.
His performances earned recognition from regional basketball publications and attracted interest from college programs.
However, Murphy was not considered one of the most highly recruited players in the country.
He eventually committed to Rice University, where he began his college basketball career in 2018.
As a freshman, he appeared in 32 games and averaged 8.4 points per contest.
He improved during the 2019–20 season, averaging 13.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
His progress at Rice attracted interest from stronger college basketball programs.
In 2020, Murphy transferred to the University of Virginia to play under head coach Tony Bennett.
His parents supported the decision, recognizing the opportunity to continue developing his game at a major Atlantic Coast Conference program.
During the 2020–21 season, Murphy averaged 11.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
He also achieved an exceptional shooting season, converting 50.3 percent of his field-goal attempts, 43.3 percent of his three-pointers and 92.7 percent of his free throws.
Those percentages placed him in the prestigious 50-40-90 category, a rare achievement in college basketball.
Murphy also earned recognition on the ACC All-Academic Team.
After his successful season at Virginia, he decided to enter the 2021 NBA Draft.
His decision reflected years of preparation, parental encouragement and confidence in his basketball abilities.
Trey Murphy III’s Parents at the 2021 NBA Draft
The 2021 NBA Draft represented one of the most significant moments in the Murphy family’s basketball journey.
Rather than attending the draft ceremony in Brooklyn, Trey chose to celebrate with family and friends in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The decision allowed him to share the occasion with people who had supported his development from childhood.
On July 29, 2021, Murphy was selected with the 17th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies.
His draft rights were subsequently traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.
During an interview with ABC11 Raleigh-Durham after his selection, Murphy discussed the importance of his parents in helping him reach the NBA.
He acknowledged that his father had been particularly demanding during his basketball development.
However, he explained that he appreciated the discipline and dedication Kenny had encouraged.
Murphy also credited his mother with providing a more reassuring influence during difficult moments.
His parents became emotional as they reflected on their son’s achievement.
Kenny described the draft as one of the happiest experiences of his life, second only to the day Trey was born.
Albeda also expressed pride in the person her son had become, emphasizing his character rather than focusing exclusively on his basketball accomplishments.
The family celebration highlighted the collective effort behind Murphy’s journey to professional basketball.
How Trey Murphy III’s Parents Supported His NBA Development
Following his selection in the 2021 NBA Draft, Trey Murphy III began adjusting to the challenges of professional basketball.
His rookie season involved competing for playing time, learning new defensive responsibilities and adapting to the demands of the NBA schedule.
Although Murphy demonstrated promise as an outside shooter, he initially played limited minutes.
His father closely followed those developments and continued providing advice.
During an April 2022 interview with Sports Illustrated, Kenny Murphy discussed the importance of maintaining a strong support system for young professional athletes.
He explained that public expectations and media attention could become overwhelming during the transition from college basketball to the NBA.
Kenny believed that his son’s early challenges would eventually help him develop greater confidence and determination.
He also praised the Pelicans’ coaching staff for helping Murphy understand how to contribute in different areas of the game.
Murphy gradually became more comfortable within the team’s system.
During the 2022–23 season, he averaged 14.5 points per game and established himself as one of New Orleans’ most important three-point shooters.
He also participated in the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, demonstrating his athletic abilities beyond outside shooting.
His role continued expanding over subsequent seasons.
In October 2024, the Pelicans agreed to a four-year contract extension reportedly worth $112 million.
The agreement reflected the organization’s confidence in Murphy’s long-term development.
During the 2024–25 season, he averaged 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
He followed that performance with another productive campaign in 2025–26, averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists over 66 regular-season appearances.
Those achievements demonstrated how far Murphy had progressed since his early experiences training with his father in North Carolina.
Throughout his development, both parents remained connected to his career and continued supporting him through professional challenges.
Trey Murphy III’s Relationship With His Parents
Trey Murphy III has maintained a close relationship with his parents despite the demands of professional basketball.
His public interviews reveal that Kenny and Albeda have complementary personalities and different approaches to encouraging their son.
Kenny has generally emphasized competitive discipline, preparation and accountability.
Albeda has focused more extensively on personal character, emotional encouragement and maintaining perspective.
During his 2021 interview with ABC11, Murphy acknowledged the importance of both approaches.
He explained that his father’s demanding coaching style sometimes created difficult moments during childhood.
However, he gradually recognized that those expectations had helped prepare him for higher levels of competition.
His relationship with Albeda has also attracted positive attention from fans.
The surprise meeting with LeBron James in March 2022 and her humorous appearance at his March 2024 press conference demonstrated the family’s affection and willingness to enjoy memorable moments together.
These public experiences provide insight into a relationship that has remained important throughout Murphy’s transition from college basketball to the NBA.
Trey Murphy III’s Family and Community Involvement
Trey Murphy III has also participated in community activities during his professional basketball career.
According to his official NBA biography, he has supported charitable initiatives involving children and families in the New Orleans area.
His activities have included participating in a Thanksgiving turkey distribution and visiting young hospital patients during Halloween.
These events allowed him to interact with local residents and contribute to community programs beyond basketball.
His involvement reflects the importance of personal character emphasized by his mother during childhood.
In her July 2021 interview with ABC11, Albeda explained that she wanted her son to become someone who cared about others and treated people respectfully.
Murphy’s community participation provides a publicly documented example of his activities outside professional sports.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trey Murphy III’s Family
Who is Trey Murphy III’s father?
Trey Murphy III’s father is Kenneth “Kenny” Murphy Jr., a former college basketball player who represented East Carolina University from 1986 to 1988 and later coached his son during childhood.
Who is Trey Murphy III’s mother?
His mother is Albeda Murphy, who supported his basketball development and became well known for her appearances at Pelicans games and her humorous questioning of her son during a March 2024 press conference.
Does Trey Murphy III have siblings?
No. Trey Murphy III is an only child, according to the New Orleans Pelicans’ official 2024–25 media guide.
Does Trey Murphy III have a brother?
No. Trey Murphy III has no publicly identified brothers. His official team biography describes him as an only child.
Does Trey Murphy III have a sister?
No. Trey Murphy III does not have a sister, according to the official Pelicans media guide.
Why is Trey Murphy called Trey?
His full name is Kenneth Murphy III. His grandfather is known as Ken, his father is known as Kenny, and he uses the nickname Trey to distinguish himself as the third generation carrying the family name.
Does Trey Murphy III have a girlfriend?
As of now, Trey Murphy III has not publicly confirmed a current girlfriend, and his romantic relationship status remains undisclosed.
Is Trey Murphy III married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Trey Murphy III is married.
Does Trey Murphy III have children?
There are no verified public reports establishing that Trey Murphy III has sons or daughters.
Did Trey Murphy III’s father play basketball?
Yes. Kenneth Murphy Jr. played college basketball at East Carolina University from 1986 to 1988 before becoming directly involved in his son’s basketball development.
Where was Trey Murphy III born?
Trey Murphy III was born on June 18, 2000, in Durham, North Carolina, United States.
What is Trey Murphy III’s full name?
His full name is Kenneth Murphy III, and he is widely known by his nickname Trey Murphy III.
Which colleges did Trey Murphy III attend?
Trey Murphy III played college basketball at Rice University from 2018 to 2020 and the University of Virginia during the 2020–21 season.
Which NBA team does Trey Murphy III play for?
Trey Murphy III plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, who acquired his draft rights following his selection with the 17th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Pedro Salcas is a dedicated sports journalist and NBA specialist focused on team strategy, player performance, and league news. Tracking action across the Eastern and Western Conferences, he breaks down complex game tape, roster moves, and statistics into clear, engaging analysis. From preseason storylines to deep playoff runs, Pedro brings a sharp analytical perspective and passion for basketball to keep readers informed on everything happening in the NBA.
