In the Western Conference, where rivalries run deep and playoff dreams collide, it’s rare to see the Golden State Warriors doing anything that might benefit the Los Angeles Lakers. But indirectly, that’s exactly what just happened.
Thanks to Golden State’s recent trade discussions with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers now have a much clearer picture of what it might take to land one of their top offseason targets: Trey Murphy III.
According to reporting, the Pelicans made it clear they weren’t about to let Murphy go without a serious haul in return. Specifically, if Golden State wanted him, it was going to cost them at least three unprotected first-round picks - a steep price, and one that speaks volumes about how New Orleans values the 23-year-old wing.
And honestly, it’s hard to blame them.
Murphy has become the prototype for a modern three-and-D wing - long, athletic, and efficient. He’s not just a shooter; he’s a 6-foot-9 defensive disruptor who can switch across multiple positions, run the floor, and finish above the rim. The Pelicans locked him up with a four-year, $112 million rookie extension in 2024, and so far this season, he’s proving he’s worth every dollar.
He’s putting up 22.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 47.7% from the field and 38% from deep. That’s not just solid production - that’s borderline All-Star level impact on both ends of the floor. His combination of lateral quickness, shooting touch, and defensive instincts makes him a nightmare matchup, and exactly the kind of player who could elevate a contending team like the Lakers.
L.A. was reportedly interested in Murphy ahead of the trade deadline, and it’s easy to see why. But instead of swinging big, they pivoted.
The Lakers ended up acquiring Luke Kennard in a deal that sent Gabe Vincent and a 2031 second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks. Kennard brings elite shooting, but he’s not the two-way presence Murphy is.
Still, the Lakers might not be done. Now that they know the Pelicans are prioritizing draft capital - and that it would take something in the range of three unprotected first-rounders to even start the conversation - Rob Pelinka and the front office have a clearer roadmap if they want to revisit this in the summer.
The question is whether the Lakers are willing to pay that kind of price. With LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career and Anthony Davis still in his prime, L.A. is walking the tightrope between win-now urgency and long-term sustainability. Giving up multiple unprotected picks is a gamble - but if Murphy continues on this trajectory, he could be the kind of player who makes that gamble worth it.
For now, the Lakers will roll with what they’ve got. But come the offseason, don’t be surprised if Trey Murphy’s name comes up again - and this time, the Lakers will know exactly what it’ll cost to make a deal happen.