Why Trey Murphy Could Be the Missing Piece for the Pistons’ Finals Push
Two years ago, the Detroit Pistons were a franchise in free fall, tying the NBA record for consecutive losses. Fast forward to now, and they’re sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings.
No, that’s not a typo. The Pistons have gone from rock bottom to legitimate contenders-and if there’s ever been a moment to push all their chips in, it’s this one.
Injuries have taken a toll on some of the East’s usual heavyweights, opening a rare window for a team like Detroit to make a deep playoff run. The roster is young, talented, and hungry.
But it’s not without its flaws-namely, a glaring need for more perimeter shooting. That’s where Trey Murphy comes into the picture.
The Proposed Deal
Pistons receive: Trey Murphy
Pelicans receive: Caris LeVert, Ron Holland, two first-round picks
Let’s break this down.
Detroit has built a foundation around size, athleticism, and downhill playmakers. Cade Cunningham is a rising star who thrives when attacking the rim.
Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren bring elite athleticism and defensive versatility, but neither stretches the floor. Ron Holland, while promising, fits the same mold-a slasher without a reliable jumper.
Even Tobias Harris and Jaden Ivey, both capable scorers, aren’t known for elite efficiency from beyond the arc.
The Pistons did see a noticeable shift last season when they added Malik Beasley, a high-volume, high-efficiency shooter who opened up the floor. He’s gone now, following a gambling investigation, but Duncan Robinson has stepped into that role admirably. Still, Robinson is essentially the lone consistent deep threat on a team that ranks 28th in three-point attempts per game (31.7) and sits middle-of-the-pack in efficiency (35.6%).
That’s not going to cut it in today’s NBA, especially come playoff time when spacing becomes even more critical.
Why Trey Murphy Makes Sense
Trey Murphy isn’t just a shooter-he’s one of the best in the league. He’s cleared the 40% mark from three and done so while launching a high volume of attempts.
He’s also shown he can handle a bigger offensive load, surpassing 20 points in multiple games while firing up seven or more threes. That’s the kind of gravity the Pistons desperately need.
But Murphy’s value doesn’t stop at the arc. He’s a legitimate two-way player.
He’s long, athletic, and can defend multiple positions. His vertical pop has been on full display in Dunk Contests, and his defensive instincts make him an asset on both ends.
He’s not just a plug-and-play shooter-he’s a high-impact wing who fits perfectly alongside Cunningham and the rest of Detroit’s core.
What It Would Cost
Giving up Caris LeVert, Ron Holland, and two first-round picks is no small price. But let’s be honest-LeVert hasn’t made the impact Detroit hoped for when they brought him in this offseason. Holland has upside, but he’s a raw prospect on a team that needs shooting now, not later.
The Pistons have spent the last several years stockpiling young talent and draft capital. At some point, you have to turn potential into production.
Murphy is 25 years old, fits the timeline, and addresses Detroit’s biggest need. That’s worth serious consideration.
From the Pelicans’ Perspective
New Orleans is in a tough spot. They’re 5-22 and sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference. Their rookies-Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen-have shown promise, but the team’s trajectory is murky, especially after sending an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to acquire Queen.
That pick now looks like it could land in the top tier of the draft-and it’s in Atlanta’s hands.
The Pelicans aren’t quite tanking, but they’re not exactly contending either. If they decide to pivot toward a rebuild, moving Trey Murphy could be part of that strategy. Zion Williamson’s injury issues haven’t gone away, and if New Orleans finally decides to move on from him, Murphy might be the next domino to fall.
That said, Murphy is still just 25 and could be a key piece of a retooled core. Trading him would only make sense if the return is too good to pass up.
Is This Enough?
That’s the real question.
Desmond Bane was traded this past offseason for a package that included four first-round picks. Murphy may not be quite at Bane’s level, but he’s close-and he plays a premium position in today’s league. If the Pelicans are going to move him, it’ll likely take a similar haul.
For Detroit, this might be the time to overpay. The East is wide open.
The core is ascending. And Murphy is exactly the kind of player who can elevate a contender from “interesting story” to “real threat.”
If the Pistons believe their time is now, Trey Murphy might be the move that makes that belief a reality.