Trey Murphy III’s spot in New Orleans took a strange turn Wednesday, and it’s the kind of wrinkle the Golden State Warriors will notice.
Murphy was moved to the bench for the Pelicans’ preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks, a decision new head coach Jamahl Mosley framed as a chance for both starters and reserves to get used to different roles. It’s still only preseason, and these sorts of experiments happen, but the timing stands out after a summer in which Murphy again found himself in trade rumors.
The on-court results weren’t much to write home about. Murphy finished with five points, three rebounds and three assists in nearly 19 minutes off the bench. He shot 2-of-8 overall, missed all five of his 3-pointers and had multiple airballs.
Even with that quiet night, Murphy’s preseason body of work has kept him squarely on Golden State’s radar. Before Wednesday, he was averaging 15.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting better than 50% in 22 minutes per game, continuing to show the kind of offensive game that has made him such an appealing target since the 2025 offseason.
His name surfaced again around the draft, when reports indicated the Pelicans were interested in moving into a lottery pick. That opened the door for the Warriors, who held the 11th overall pick and were viewed as a real possibility. Instead, Golden State kept the selection and drafted Yaxel Lendeborg, a move that already appears justified by the early returns from summer league and preseason.
Still, that doesn’t erase the fit. The Warriors could continue to circle Murphy and even imagine pairing him with Lendeborg in the frontcourt if New Orleans eventually decides to move him. If the Pelicans stumble early, Murphy could become even more available than he already was this summer.
Golden State also has the kind of assets that would matter in a deal. Expiring contracts and draft capital give the Warriors a package that could get New Orleans’ attention if Murphy truly hits the market. Kristaps Porzingis would be the most useful matching salary from Golden State’s side, although the Warriors would also need to include the injured Moses Moody and would be left with a question mark at center.
The Pelicans might ask for even more draft compensation to take on Porzingis, even with only a $3 million guarantee for the 2027-28 season. He remains movable, but he’s also expected to miss the start of the season because of another illness issue.
Murphy’s hold on a starting job doesn’t appear to be in danger right now. But Wednesday’s benching was still worth watching, and it should only sharpen the Warriors’ sense that Trey Murphy III remains a name to track as February’s deadline approaches.
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Warriors Suddenly Have A Yaxel Lendeborg Concern Fans Can't Ignore
The Warriors got a scare in their preseason win over the Lakers when Yaxel Lendeborg turned his ankle, a moment that briefly put a spotlight on one of the more intriguing parts of their early lineup plans. He did return to the game for a short stretch, and afterward he downplayed the issue, calling it not severe and sounding upbeat about where he stands heading into the next stage of camp.
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Warriors Just Made A Tough Roster Call Fans Will Debate
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Burton arrives with some recent NBA experience after previously spending time with the Memphis Grizzlies on 10-day contracts, and hell get a chance to compete for a place with the Warriors in mid-October. For a team still shaping its final group, the move is another reminder that preseason production does not always guarantee a lasting seat at the table. [Read more 🡒]
Warriors Just Created An Early Center Battle Fans Did Not Expect
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Bassey signed a partially guaranteed one-year deal, so nothing about his roster spot or role is locked in yet, but his defensive value matters more now with Kristaps Porzingis unavailable indefinitely. For a team still sorting out its frontcourt rotation, the early signs suggest this center competition may be more open than expected, and Bassey has done enough to make the Warriors keep looking his way. [Read more 🡒]