The Golden State Warriors might finally have a real shot at landing one of their top trade targets - Trey Murphy III - and it all hinges on a name that’s been at the center of Golden State’s internal debates for months: Jonathan Kuminga.
According to a new report, the New Orleans Pelicans have shown interest in Kuminga, a development that could open the door to a potential deal involving Murphy. It’s a storyline that’s been simmering since the offseason, but now, with the trade deadline looming and the Warriors sitting two games under .500, the urgency is turning up - and so is the intrigue.
Pelicans Have Eyes on Kuminga
The Pelicans’ interest in Kuminga is more than just a passing glance. There are reportedly decision-makers in New Orleans who view the 21-year-old forward as a player worth investing in. That’s a significant wrinkle in the Warriors’ pursuit of Murphy, who has long been on Golden State’s radar as a high-upside wing with size, athleticism, and a reliable three-point shot.
The question now becomes: how much are the Warriors willing to give up? Kuminga alone might not be enough to close the deal.
Draft capital could come into play, and that’s where things get tricky. Golden State has been careful with their future picks, but their current position in the standings may force the front office to reconsider how aggressively they want to chase a win-now move.
Does Kuminga Fit in New Orleans?
From a pure basketball standpoint, the fit between Kuminga and the Pelicans’ current core raises some eyebrows. New Orleans already has two young frontcourt pieces they’re reportedly unwilling to move - rookie standouts Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. Neither is a floor-spacer, and both are under 6'9", which makes a frontcourt trio of Queen, Kuminga, and Zion Williamson a bit crowded, especially in today’s spacing-heavy league.
Speaking of Zion, his presence further complicates things. He and Kuminga both thrive with the ball in their hands and do their best work around the paint.
Pairing them could create spacing headaches, unless one of them - likely Zion - is moved. But that’s easier said than done.
Between his injury history and inconsistent production, Zion’s trade value isn’t what it once was. That makes a clean swap involving Kuminga and Murphy harder to navigate unless New Orleans is ready to get creative.
What It Means for the Warriors
For Golden State, the Pelicans’ interest in Kuminga is a rare bit of good news in what’s been a frustrating season. The Warriors have struggled to find consistency, and their bench production has been uneven at best. Murphy, with his size, shooting, and defensive versatility, checks a lot of boxes for a team that needs more two-way wings to complement Steph Curry.
The Warriors have been reluctant to give up on Kuminga, who still flashes the kind of athleticism and raw talent that made him the seventh overall pick. But with the team slipping in the standings and the Western Conference as deep as ever, patience may no longer be a luxury they can afford.
Murphy isn’t a superstar, but he’s the kind of role player who could thrive in Golden State’s system - cutting off the ball, spacing the floor, and defending multiple positions. If the Pelicans are serious about Kuminga, the Warriors may finally have the leverage they need to make a deal happen.
Final Word
This isn’t just smoke - there’s real substance to the idea that a Trey Murphy III trade could be on the table. The ball is now in Golden State’s court.
They’ve got a young player the Pelicans like, and they’ve got a roster in need of a shakeup. Whether that’s enough to push them into action remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: the Warriors can’t afford to stand still much longer.