The Golden State Warriors just got hit with a gut punch - Jimmy Butler is out for the season. That’s a massive blow to a team still trying to squeeze every last drop out of its championship window.
With the trade deadline looming, what was already an important stretch has now become urgent. And one name that makes a whole lot of sense for Golden State right now?
Trey Murphy III.
Let’s talk about why.
Murphy is quietly putting together a breakout campaign in New Orleans. He’s averaging 22 points and 6 rebounds per game, but it’s what he’s done in January that’s really turning heads: 28 points a night, leading the league in threes made this month.
That’s not just hot shooting - that’s elite offensive production. Known early in his career as a 3-and-D wing, Murphy’s game has expanded in all the right ways.
He’s creating off the dribble, finishing strong at the rim with either hand, and showing he can be more than just a floor spacer.
And here’s where the Warriors come in.
Golden State has been searching for a big wing who can defend, shoot, and play within the flow of their motion-heavy offense. Murphy checks every box.
He doesn’t need the ball to be effective - he moves well without it, runs the floor in transition, and can spot up or shoot off movement. He’s tailor-made for the kind of open looks Steph Curry creates by simply existing on the court.
Defensively, Murphy brings size and switchability, two things the Warriors desperately need on the perimeter. He rebounds well for his position, which matters for a team that’s struggled to control the glass all year. Plug him into this system, and you’ve got a player who can contribute right away without disrupting the core - and still has room to grow alongside it.
Now, let’s look at the other side of this potential deal.
The Pelicans are in a tough spot. They’re tied for the worst record in the league at 10-36, and to make matters worse, they don’t even own their own first-round pick this year - a lingering consequence of last summer’s draft-night deal with Atlanta. With the season spiraling and no pick to tank for, New Orleans may have to pivot from building to asset collection.
That’s where a trade centered around Jonathan Kuminga and future draft capital comes into play. Kuminga is still packed with upside, and Golden State’s picks - especially in a post-Curry world - could be gold for a Pelicans team that might need to hit the reset button. It’s a deal that makes sense for both sides: the Warriors get a ready-now contributor, and the Pelicans get assets for the future while Murphy’s value is sky-high.
And let’s be clear - Murphy’s value is sky-high. He’s not just a shooter anymore.
His rim efficiency this season has been elite, whether it’s off the dribble, in transition, or finishing through contact. He’s added layers to his game that make him more than just a role player - he’s trending toward a high-level two-way wing, the kind every contender covets.
With Jimmy Butler done for the year, the Warriors don’t have the luxury of waiting. Steph Curry is still playing at an MVP-caliber level, and the window to win is still open - but it’s narrowing.
Golden State has spent years trying to walk the tightrope between contending and developing the next generation. But this season?
It’s time to lean in.
Trey Murphy III could be the swing piece that keeps their title hopes alive.