The Lakers may have landed Luke Kennard at the trade deadline-a proven sniper from deep-but make no mistake, he wasn’t their top target. That distinction belongs to Trey Murphy III, the 6-foot-8 wing out of New Orleans who’s been turning heads all season with his two-way play.
Murphy wasn’t just a name on the Lakers’ radar-he was the name. According to recent reports, both the Lakers and the Warriors made multiple inquiries about him leading up to the deadline, and both teams are expected to circle back this summer with renewed interest. The Pelicans, however, weren’t eager to part with their rising star without a serious haul in return-think multiple picks and high-upside prospects.
And it’s easy to see why. Murphy has emerged as one of the league’s most intriguing young wings.
He’s putting up 22.1 points per game while adding 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals. He’s shooting nearly 48% from the field and just under 38% from three-numbers that speak to both efficiency and volume.
But it’s not just the stats that make him valuable. It’s how he gets them.
Murphy’s offensive game has grown beyond just catch-and-shoot threes. He’s more confident putting the ball on the floor, creating off the dribble, and finishing at the rim.
On the other end, his length and instincts make him a versatile defender-capable of switching onto guards or holding his own against bigger wings. In short, he’s the kind of player who fits perfectly into today’s NBA: a high-level three-and-D threat with room to grow into even more.
For the Lakers, Murphy would be a seamless addition alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His ability to space the floor, defend multiple positions, and play off the ball makes him an ideal complement to their stars. It’s no surprise they tried to get him now-and it’s no surprise they’re planning to try again.
The Pelicans, for their part, are in no rush to move him. They know what they have-a 23-year-old wing with elite tools and production to match. But if the Lakers come knocking this summer with the right mix of draft capital and young talent, there could be a deal to be made.
For now, Murphy stays in New Orleans, continuing to build on what’s already been a breakout season. But keep an eye on this storyline. When the offseason hits, the Lakers’ pursuit of Trey Murphy III could become one of the biggest moves to watch.