If the Golden State Warriors want Trey Murphy III, they’re going to have to work for it. The New Orleans Pelicans aren’t exactly putting up a “for sale” sign when it comes to the 25-year-old wing, who’s just starting a four-year, $112 million contract.
And honestly, why would they? Murphy’s one of the best young shooters in the league, and New Orleans knows exactly what it has.
But if the Pelicans’ stance softens over the next couple of weeks, and the Warriors can somehow land Murphy, it would be a move worth celebrating - just not one that fixes everything overnight.
Let’s be clear: swapping Jimmy Butler for Trey Murphy III, even in theory, is a pretty solid pivot. Butler brought veteran playmaking, toughness, and a playoff pedigree that’s hard to replicate.
Murphy brings something different - a younger, more dynamic scorer who fits a modern NBA offense like a glove. But while Murphy would immediately become the Warriors’ third-most important player behind Steph Curry and Draymond Green, this team is still likely two major pieces away from truly contending in a loaded Western Conference.
Murphy’s value, though, isn’t just in what he can do now - it’s what he represents for the future. This is a 6-foot-9 wing who can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and still has room to grow. He’s under contract through his prime, giving the Warriors something they’ve lacked since their young core failed to develop as hoped: a long-term building block who complements their timeline without being tied to it.
In the short term, Murphy would help. No question.
He can shoot the lights out, and he’s shown flashes of being more than just a spot-up guy. But the Warriors' problems go deeper than one missing scorer.
Since Jimmy Butler’s injury, they’ve dropped games to Toronto and Dallas - not exactly the resume of a team ready to hang with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder or the surging San Antonio Spurs. And we haven’t even mentioned Denver or Houston, both of whom look like they’re built for the long haul.
That’s why any potential Murphy trade has to be seen for what it is: a long-term investment. He’s not the Band-Aid that makes this team a title threat tomorrow, but he could be a cornerstone for what’s next. And for a franchise that’s trying to bridge the gap between the Curry era and whatever comes after, that matters.
Now, whether the Pelicans are actually willing to part with Murphy is another story. By all accounts, they’re not eager to move him - and rightfully so.
But if there’s even a crack in that door, the Warriors should be pushing with everything they’ve got. Because while Trey Murphy III might not be the answer to all their problems, he could be the start of something new.