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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 03: Trey Murphy III of the Pelicans looks to pass the ball during the NBAxNBL match between Melbourne United and New Orleans Pelicans at Rod Laver Arena on October 03, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors are trying to make one last run at an NBA title. With Stephen Curry still playing at a high level, they need to try to make that count. That’s one of the reasons why they traded for Jimmy Butler last season.
Despite that trade, the Warriors haven’t been as good as they would have hoped this year. Right now, they sit eighth in the Western Conference standings. They are in danger of being stuck in the play-in game or falling out of any chance of making the playoffs completely.
Currently, the Warriors have just the 19th-best offense in the league. One trade proposal from ESPN has them improving that offense by adding one of the most coveted players on the trade market.
GettyNew Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III shoots the ball. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Warriors Add Highly-Coveted Player in ESPN Trade Idea
Here is the full trade proposal:
Golden State Warriors get: Trey Murphy III, Jordan Hawkins
New Orleans Pelicans get: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, 2026 first-round pick (via Warriors), 2028 first-round pick (via Warriors, top-10 protected), 2030 first-round pick (via Warriors, if No. 5 to 20)
Utah Jazz get: Kevon Looney, 2031 second-round pick (via Raptors), 2032 second-round pick (via Pelicans), 2032 second-round pick (via Pelicans)
Giving three first-round picks to the Pelicans would sting. Of course, all of them are at least top-five protected. In return, the Warriors get two players who can really shoot the ball. Murphy is one of the most coveted players who could be available at the deadline.
This has been the best season of Murphy’s career. He is shooting over 38 percent from beyond the 3-point arc and is scoring over 21 points per game. Golden State needs that infusion of offense, as their defense is one of the top units in the league. Right now, they have the eighth-best defense in the league.
Murphy’s defense is solid enough that the Warriors’ defense wouldn’t suffer too much. He would be the perfect fit in Golden State, even if the price is pretty hefty.
GettyGolden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler drives the ball. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Warriors Will Explore All Options at the Trade Deadline
Even if the Warriors don’t end up adding someone like Murphy, they will likely be very active at the trade deadline. They will try whatever it takes to add some firepower to the offense. The price that they pay will be a sticking point for them.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. won’t mortgage the future to chase a title that will be very hard to win this year, but he also won’t be afraid to add a quality player. Golden State is still one of the most fun teams to watch, especially when they are in the playoffs.
Keeping Butler and Curry healthy will be the key to the Warriors having any shot of making the postseason. Getting the right player to fit in with this group will be the key for Dunleavy Jr. to figure out. The right player will either sink the ship or make this team a true contender.