Trey Murphy III is emerging as a top trade target, but prying him away won’t be easy. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, both the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs have expressed interest in acquiring the 25-year-old forward, with the Warriors even contacting the Pelicans as recently as this summer. So far, however, the Pelicans have shut down all inquiries, making it clear they view Murphy as a key part of their future.
“Sources say that the Warriors have a strong affinity for Murphy and have made outreach to New Orleans as recently as this summer," wrote NBA Insider Jake Fischer. 'Yet sources say that the Pelicans, to be clear, have batted away calls for the 25-year-old, valuing him highly. The two-way forward will be playing on a contract in 2025-26 — at precisely $25 million — as desirable as his talent is. Another team known to have registered trade interest in Murphy, sources say, is San Antonio.”
The Pelicans are in a tough spot right now with a mediocre roster and a star who struggles to stay on the court. Since Zion Williamson arrived in 2019, their attempts at a deep playoff run have failed miserably, and it's left them in a state of NBA purgatory.
During February's deadline, en route to a 21-61 finish in the regular season, they began a series of roster moves that they hope will improve their standing in the West. First, they traded away Brandon Ingram in exchange for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 first-round pick (top four protected), and a 2031 second-round pick.
They also sent CJ McCollum packing while adding Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney, and drafting Derik Queen via the draft. The latest reports indicate that teams are trying to make a push for two-way swingman Trey Murphy III, but the Pelicans have denied access so far unless they get an offer they cannot refuse.
At 25 years old, Murphy is coming off a breakout season in New Orleans with averages of 21.2 points (career-high), 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game on 45.4% shooting. While he missed the last weeks of the season with injuries to his rotator cuff and labrum, he's expected to make a full recovery and will be back for training camp next month, barring any setbacks.
As someone who has a natural feel for the game on both ends, it makes sense that the Warriors would be on his trail. He fits Steve Kerr's preferences and would make a solid backup off the bench after losing Gary Payton II.
There's also the Spurs. As a younger team looking to rise the ranks in the West, they need all the help they can get, and Murphy will make a positive impact in more ways than one. While his exact role is unclear, he'd provide a nice boost for them on the wing and could set the example for his younger teammates.
As it stands, Murphy is under contract for $25 million in 2025-26, which only increases his value as a trade asset. He’s young, improving, and already producing at a high level, all while being locked into a manageable salary. That’s the exact profile of a player teams want to build around, not give up on. Still, he's a name to watch as someone who could draw attention before February's trade annual trade deadline.
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