Why a Trey Murphy III Trade Could Be the Spark the Warriors Need
At 15-15, the Golden State Warriors are stuck in the NBA’s version of purgatory - not bad enough to tank, not good enough to contend. But there’s a potential move on the horizon that could change that, and it centers around a 25-year-old wing who fits their system like a glove: Trey Murphy III.
Murphy isn’t just another name floating around the rumor mill. He’s a legit floor spacer with size, athleticism, and a smooth shooting stroke that would make him a natural fit in Steve Kerr’s motion offense.
Think of him as a modern-day plug-in for the role Klay Thompson once dominated - a two-way wing who can knock down threes, run off screens, and guard multiple positions. The Warriors have missed that presence more than they’d like to admit, and Murphy could be the answer.
The Cost of Doing Business
Now, let’s talk about what it would take to bring Murphy to the Bay. The Warriors could get this done without touching their core trio - Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins. But it would likely mean saying goodbye to Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga, still just 21, has all the physical tools but hasn’t carved out a consistent role in Kerr’s rotation. Whether it’s a matter of fit, opportunity, or development, the production hasn’t matched the potential.
And with the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, the expectation is that Kuminga could be moved once he becomes eligible on Jan. 15.
The reality is, his trade value isn’t sky-high. He’s not going to headline a deal that nets Golden State a star on his own. But as part of a package - say, Kuminga plus multiple first-round picks - he could be the kind of young talent New Orleans would want in return for Murphy.
Why Murphy Makes Sense for Golden State
There’s a reason this move is gaining traction - it makes basketball sense on both ends. Murphy adds size and shooting to a team that desperately needs both.
He’s not just a catch-and-shoot guy, either. He can put it on the floor, attack closeouts, and hold his own defensively.
That’s the kind of versatility the Warriors have lacked on the wing since Thompson’s injuries began to pile up.
And if Golden State can convince the Pelicans to throw in Jose Alvarado as part of the deal? That’s icing on the cake. Alvarado brings toughness, energy, and defensive pressure - all traits that could bolster a second unit that’s been searching for consistency.
A Win-Now Move with an Eye on the Future
This wouldn’t just be a short-term play. Murphy is only 25, which means he could be part of the Warriors’ bridge to the post-Curry era. But make no mistake: this move is about winning now.
Stephen Curry turns 38 in March. He’s still capable of those vintage performances - the kind where he drops 40 and changes the game with a single flurry - but the window is narrowing.
The Warriors can’t afford to waste another season hoping the current roster figures it out. They need to act decisively, and Murphy gives them a real chance to re-enter the Western Conference conversation.
The Front Office Is on the Clock
This is where Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Warriors’ front office earn their keep. They’ve got the assets.
They’ve got the need. And they’ve got a generational player who deserves another real shot at a title.
Trading Kuminga won’t be easy - not for the fans, and not for a team that’s invested years into his development. But championship windows are fleeting. If Murphy helps bring another banner to Chase Center, the pain of parting with a young prospect will fade fast.
The Warriors don’t need to blow it all up. They just need the right piece. And Trey Murphy III might be exactly that.