Detroit Pistons Trade Rumor: Could Trey Murphy III Be the Sharpshooter Detroit Needs?
The Detroit Pistons are in the thick of a rebuild, and while the youth movement has brought flashes of excitement, it’s also exposed some glaring holes-particularly from beyond the arc. Enter Trey Murphy III, a name that’s been circulating in trade chatter and one that could address a critical need for this team.
Murphy isn’t just a catch-and-shoot threat-he’s a legitimate 20-point-per-game scorer with range, athleticism, and defensive chops. For a Pistons squad that ranks near the bottom of the league in three-point shooting, his skill set could be a game-changer.
We saw in their recent loss to Boston how much Detroit struggles to keep up when the perimeter shots aren’t falling. Murphy’s presence could help shift that dynamic.
Why Murphy Makes Sense for Detroit
At 6'9" with a smooth stroke and the ability to guard multiple positions, Murphy fits the modern NBA mold to a tee. He’s not just a floor spacer-he’s a two-way wing who could grow alongside Detroit’s young core.
And he’s on a team-friendly deal, set to earn between $27 and $31 million annually over the next three seasons. That’s real value in a cap-conscious league, especially for a player entering his prime.
There’s also some front office familiarity that could grease the wheels of a potential deal. Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon has ties to the Pelicans organization, and New Orleans GM Troy Weaver-who drafted many of Detroit’s current young players-might be more inclined to engage in talks involving guys he already believes in.
The Trade Proposal: Too Much, or Just Enough?
A recent trade idea floated on a podcast suggested Detroit could acquire Murphy by sending out Jaden Ivey, rookie Ron Holland II, and two first-round picks. That’s a hefty price for a player who, while talented, isn’t a clear-cut All-Star and has dealt with his share of injuries-including this season.
Let’s break this down.
Ivey is still a bit of a wild card. His role in Detroit’s long-term plans isn’t set in stone, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he were part of any significant trade package.
But Holland? That’s a tougher pill to swallow.
The rookie has shown flashes of two-way potential that are hard to find, and giving up both him and Ivey in the same deal feels like a lot-especially when you factor in two first-rounders, even if those picks are likely to fall in the 20s.
Murphy’s injury history does raise some concerns, but so does Ivey’s, so that part of the equation is more or less even. The real question is whether parting with two young, high-upside players is worth the return.
Murphy is good-very good-but he’s not a franchise-altering star. He’s a complementary piece, and Detroit has to be careful not to overpay for someone who won’t single-handedly shift their trajectory.
Weighing the Risk and the Fit
This isn’t the kind of move that vaults the Pistons into contention overnight. But it could be one of those strategic steps that helps solidify the foundation.
Murphy fits the timeline. He fits the need.
And he wouldn’t be a rental or a bloated contract that clogs up the books. He’s the kind of player you want next to a developing core-someone who can knock down shots, defend his position, and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact.
Still, the Pistons have to be smart here. The Oklahoma City Thunder have shown what’s possible when you build from within and make the right complementary moves.
Detroit is in a similar position-they’ve stockpiled young talent and future picks. The key is knowing when to push the chips in and when to keep developing what you’ve got.
A deal for Trey Murphy III? Worth exploring.
But not at the cost of mortgaging too much of the future. The Pistons need shooting, no doubt.
But they also need to stay patient and make sure any big swing they take lines up with the long-term vision.
This one could go either way-but it’s a conversation worth having.