Steve Kerr
Getty
Steve Kerr is the head coach of the Golden State Warriors since the 2014-15 NBA Season.
The Golden State Warriors continue to pursue Trey Murphy III from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Murphy remains the Warriors’ top trade target despite losing Jimmy Butler to a season-ending ACL tear. But Golden State has set a limit on what it is willing to give up to acquire him.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Warriors will not surrender everything to land Murphy. The most they are willing to offer is two first-round picks, with one being protected in the future. To Siegel’s knowledge, there is not a clear offer on the table yet, but that appears to be where Golden State’s thinking stands.
The revelation comes as the Warriors weigh their options ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. Murphy has long been their preferred target, but the Pelicans’ asking price has been too high for Golden State to meet.
Brett Siegel
@YegorLopez2 I believe they will. Trey Murphy III is still at top of list, but they won’t give up everything for him. Seems like the most they’ll offer is 2 firsts — one being protected in the future. To my knowledge, there isn’t a clear offer yet, but this seems to be where thinking is.
Why Trey Murphy III Remains the Warriors’ Top Target
Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans
GettyTrey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Murphy is averaging 21.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this season on 49.5% shooting from the field and 38.2% from three-point range.
The 25-year-old wing is having a career year and fits exactly what the Warriors need. Murphy can shoot, defend multiple positions, and contribute on both ends of the floor. His 3-and-D skill set would make him an ideal complement to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Siegel reported that the Warriors have “made several calls” about Murphy this season. Outside of landing a superstar player, Murphy has been Golden State’s top trade target all year.
Butler’s ACL tear has not changed that. The Warriors still want Murphy, but they are not willing to mortgage their entire future to get him.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. recently said the Warriors are willing to part with draft capital to bring in a win-now piece. But there is a difference between being willing to trade picks and giving up everything the Pelicans are asking for.
What a Trey Murphy III Trade Could Look Like
ESPN recently proposed a three-team trade framework that would send Murphy to Golden State.
The trade, constructed by ESPN NBA insiders, would look like this:
Warriors receive: Trey Murphy III, Jordan Hawkins
Pelicans receive: 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)
Jazz receive: Kevon Looney, 2031 second-round pick (via Raptors), 2032 second-round pick (via Pelicans), cash considerations
The framework sends three first-round picks to New Orleans along with Kuminga and Moody. The Warriors would get Murphy and Hawkins in return, while the Utah Jazz would take on Looney’s contract and receive two second-round picks.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks acknowledged the risk in the trade.
“There is risk in this trade when considering the uncertain future of Golden State’s roster,” Marks wrote. “Besides the newly acquired Murphy, there would be no current Warriors under contract when the 2028 and 2030 first-round picks sent to New Orleans get made.”
But Marks argued the Warriors have an obligation to maximize Curry’s championship window.
Why the Warriors Are Drawing a Line
The problem is that three first-round picks is more than the Warriors are willing to give up.
According to Siegel’s report, Golden State is capping its offer at two first-round picks, with one being protected. That is significantly less than what the Pelicans are asking for.
Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area previously reported that a potential trade for Murphy could cost the Warriors three first-round picks. That price tag appears to be too steep for Golden State.
The Warriors are trying to balance competing now with protecting their future. Curry is 37 years old, and his championship window is closing. But the Warriors also need to think about life after Curry, and giving up three unprotected first-round picks would limit their ability to rebuild when that time comes.
Dunleavy has made it clear the Warriors are willing to trade draft capital, but only for the right player at the right price. Murphy is the right player, but the Pelicans are not offering him at the right price.
The Jonathan Kuminga Complication
Jonathan Kuminga #1 of the Golden State Warriors
GettyJonathan Kuminga #1 of the Golden State Warriors.
Kuminga’s status adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Kuminga demanded a trade from the Warriors on January 15, the first day he became eligible to be moved. He has not played consistently since December 18 and has made it clear he wants out.
The Warriors are actively trying to trade Kuminga before the deadline, and he would almost certainly be included in any deal for Murphy.
Kuminga scored 20 points in his first game back after Butler’s injury, showing he can still contribute when given the opportunity. But the relationship between Kuminga and the organization has deteriorated, and a trade feels inevitable.
The question is whether the Warriors can use Kuminga as part of a package to land Murphy without giving up three first-round picks. If not, Golden State may have to settle for a different target or keep Kuminga and hope the relationship can be repaired.
Will the Pelicans Lower Their Asking Price?
New Orleans has been reluctant to trade Murphy.
The Pelicans view him as a key part of their future, and they are not going to move him unless they receive a significant return. Three first-round picks plus Kuminga and Moody would be a massive haul, and it makes sense that New Orleans is holding firm on that asking price.
But the Warriors are not budging either. Golden State has drawn a line at two first-round picks, and unless the Pelicans lower their demands, a deal is unlikely to happen.
The trade deadline is less than two weeks away. If the two sides cannot find common ground soon, the Warriors will need to pivot to other targets.