Trey Murphy III’s name has been circulating in trade chatter for most of the offseason, largely because the New Orleans Pelicans are expected to shake up their roster following a disappointing 26-win season, and Murphy stands out as one of the franchise’s most attractive trade chips.
Now 26, Murphy has now posted back-to-back seasons averaging 21 points per game, and he continues to flash the same reliable 3-and-D capabilities that make him so coveted around the league.
He’s a high-output, accurate shooter from deep, connecting on close to 38% of his threes while putting up more than eight attempts per game last year. At 6-foot-8, he also gives New Orleans defensive flexibility, with the length and foot speed to check multiple positions effectively.
Even though the Pelicans could probably command a strong package in exchange for Murphy, the indication is that the organization prefers to hold onto the former first-round selection, at least as they head into the 2026 season.
Trey Murphy III trade update doesn’t bode well for Warriors, Celtics, and Pistons
In a recent Bleacher Report livestream, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line conveyed that New Orleans is inclined to keep Murphy, largely because no team has stepped forward with an offer that matches what the Pelicans are seeking.
Fischer also noted that the Pelicans have reduced their initial asking price from four first-rounders down to three.
“Right now, I’m operating under the belief that the Pelicans want to keep Trey Murphy,” Fischer stated. “A lot of the offseason noise around him got inflated when they made it known to other teams around the draft that he could be had, but the market just hasn’t materialized at the price New Orleans is demanding.”
Murphy is certainly a difference-maker who could push a playoff-bound team closer to championship contention. Still, it’s not hard to see why teams might hesitate to part with three future first-round picks for a player who has yet to earn an All-Star nod.
Now that the Pelicans appear ready to pull Murphy off the table, the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Detroit Pistons will need to redirect their attention to other potential acquisitions.
Golden State continues to have its eyes on LeBron James, though landing the future Hall of Famer seems like a long shot at this stage. Murphy would have been a solid contingency plan for the Warriors a starting-caliber wing who could slot in alongside Steph Curry but that path now seems closed.
Boston recently moved Jaylen Brown in a deal, and Murphy logically could have filled that void. But with Murphy likely staying in New Orleans and Celtics executive Brad Stevens reportedly unwilling to match the Pelicans’ price, Boston will have to explore alternative routes.
Murphy’s skill set would have complemented Detroit nicely, especially given the Pistons’ need for improved outside shooting. Still, it feels like Detroit may need to sort out Jalen Duren’s situation before committing to another major transaction.
Ultimately, Murphy remains an emerging talent who should contribute positively to New Orleans’ win total in 2026. Still, his abilities might be better maximized on a team with title aspirations, so it’s a letdown for squads like the Warriors, Celtics, and Pistons that the former Virginia standout is no longer available.
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