The Detroit Pistons are expected to be one of the busiest franchises in the coming weeks as they look to build off a historic 60-win season and a second-round playoff exit. According to reports, the front office has set its sights on New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III, with a proposed trade package that would send two players and four picks to the Pelicans .
In a deal outlined by the Detroit Free Press’ Omari Sankofa II, the Pistons would acquire Murphy from New Orleans while sending out Caris LeVert, rookie Ron Holland, a 2027 first-round pick (top-four protected), a 2029 first-round pick (top-four protected), and a 2028 first-round pick swap .
The proposed deal would give the Pelicans significant draft capital while allowing the Pistons to add a proven wing scorer to complement Cade Cunningham.
Murphy, 26, represents an ideal fit for a Pistons team that lost Tobias Harris in free agency to the San Antonio Spurs. After Harris’ departure, the Pistons have just one true power forward on the roster in John Collins, leaving a major vacancy at the wing position .
Murphy brings versatility in the forward role, capable of sliding between the two, three, or four positions. He has improved his offensive game significantly over the past few seasons and would provide elite perimeter presence alongside Cunningham .
“He’s a big wing who can space the floor as an elite catch-and-shoot threat (42.6% on such attempts last season) but can also create some of his own offense,” wrote CBS Sports’ Jack Maloney .
Murphy’s contract adds to his appeal. He is on a team-friendly deal relative to his production, making $87 million through his next three seasons, averaging $29 million annually .
There is also significant front office familiarity between the two organizations. Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon was the Pelicans general manager when they traded to acquire Murphy with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2021 draft out of Virginia .
“We wanted high-character human beings,” Langdon said in the decision to draft Murphy. “(Murphy) can really shoot the ball” .
The Pistons also have retained significant future assets, owning first-round picks through at least 2033, giving them strong leverage for trades this offseason .
According to recent reports, the Pelicans have lowered their asking price for Murphy, which could accelerate trade discussions. Michael A. Scotto of HoopsHype reported that New Orleans had initially sought the equivalent of four first-round picks but has since reduced their demand to three first-round picks .
The Pistons previously viewed New Orleans’ asking price as too steep, but the reduction could renew discussions, particularly following Harris’ departure in free agency .
“The Pistons have consistently circled the wagons on Murphy in trade talks, but felt the price was too high,” Scotto wrote. “With the asking price dropping from the equivalent of four to three first-round picks in any Murphy trade talks recently, will Detroit have more of an appetite to make a trade following the loss of Tobias Harris in free agency?”
Despite the Pistons’ interest, they face stiff competition for Murphy’s services. League executives report that the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, and Golden State Warriors are also involved in the Murphy market to varying degrees . The Indiana Pacers have also expressed interest .
League executives remain divided on Murphy’s ultimate price. Some believe the recent returns for Jaylen Brown and Kawhi Leonard suggest two first-round picks should be the ceiling for Murphy, while others argue his age, production, and team-friendly contract justify seeking a third first-round equivalent .
The Pistons’ need for offensive help was exposed in the playoffs, where they fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The team went from averaging 117.8 points per game in the regular season to just 104.9 in the postseason .
Cunningham averaged 28.1 points per game in the playoffs, but support was limited. After Cunningham, Tobias Harris (18.1 points) and Duncan Robinson (11.8 points) were the only other double-digit scorers .
Langdon acknowledged the need for additional offensive firepower at the team’s end-of-season media availability.
“The more ballhandling you can have on the floor, the better,” Langdon said. “I think you see these teams that are successful have a lot of people that can… Just spreading the floor and shooting helps. Everybody knew that that was something we might struggle with a little bit” .
With Murphy averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 37.9% from three this past season, he could be the answer to Detroit’s offensive needs .
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