The Golden State Warriors are in the market for a roster upgrade, and while Jonathan Kuminga remains their most intriguing trade chip, the dream scenario involving Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III is starting to fade fast.
Murphy Was the Ideal Fit - On Paper
Let’s be clear: Trey Murphy III checks a lot of boxes. He’s a long, athletic wing who can stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and fits seamlessly into modern NBA lineups. At under $30 million a year, he’s also one of the more valuable young players potentially available - a rare combination of talent and affordability.
From Golden State’s perspective, landing Murphy without giving up another key rotation piece seemed like the kind of move that could thread the needle between competing now and preserving the future. A package centered around Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and picks was floated, but that framework is quickly losing traction.
Pelicans’ Asking Price? Think Desmond Bane, Not Bargain Bin
Here’s the problem: New Orleans isn’t exactly holding a fire sale. According to reporting from Michael Scotto, the asking price for Murphy is steep - think along the lines of what the Orlando Magic gave up for Desmond Bane.
That deal included four unprotected first-round picks and a pick swap. That’s superstar-level capital, and Murphy, while promising, hasn’t made an All-Star Game yet.
Golden State has been notoriously cautious with its future picks. They’re not likely to unload that kind of draft haul unless a true franchise-changing name - someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo - becomes available. Murphy, as good as he is, doesn’t yet rise to that level in the eyes of the Warriors’ front office.
Pelicans Heating Up at the Right Time
Another wrinkle? The Pelicans are playing well.
They recently rattled off a five-game winning streak before falling to the Cavaliers, and their rotation is starting to look more complete. Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole are back in action, coming off the bench and giving interim head coach James Borrego some added firepower.
If New Orleans keeps trending upward, their front office may decide to stand pat - or even pivot toward buying at the deadline. That would make Murphy, along with defensive ace Herb Jones, less likely to be moved. Add in the emergence of rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen - both considered untouchable - and the Pelicans suddenly look like a team building something sustainable.
So, What’s Next for Golden State?
The Warriors still need to shake things up. They’ve been hovering around the middle of the Western Conference, and with the clock ticking on Steph Curry’s prime, standing still isn’t really an option.
If Murphy is off the table, Golden State might have to look at higher-salaried options - and that’s where things get tricky. Bigger names come with bigger contracts and bigger risks. Any deal in that realm could require moving someone like Draymond Green or Moses Moody, which would significantly alter the team’s identity and chemistry.
There’s no question that Kuminga remains a valuable asset. He’s young, athletic, and still developing. But finding a perfect trade partner - someone who fits the Warriors' timeline, system, and salary structure - is proving to be a tougher task than expected.
For now, Murphy may remain the one that got away. Unless something changes drastically between now and the deadline, the Warriors might have to recalibrate their expectations - or be ready to pay a much steeper price if they want to land a difference-maker.