The NBA Trade Deadline has passed, leaving a trail of excitement with several big names finding new homes. One player who stirred up significant buzz was Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans, who caught the eye of the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors have had their sights set on Murphy, viewing him as an ideal addition to their roster. Even in the wake of Jimmy Butler’s unfortunate ACL injury, Golden State remains keen on integrating Murphy into their lineup. They reportedly dangled Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and multiple first-round picks to tempt the Pelicans.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers also showed interest in Murphy, hinting at a potential bidding war this offseason.
Both the Lakers and Warriors are expected to renew their pursuit of Murphy come summer. However, the Pelicans are holding firm, seeking a haul of draft picks and top-tier prospects in any trade for their prized wing.
The Lakers might have an edge in this chase. They're gearing up to build a formidable squad around Luka Doncic, and Murphy could be a key piece in that puzzle.
Known for his sharpshooting, Murphy is hitting 37.8% from three-point range this season and holds a career average of 38.2%. It’s easy to imagine Doncic welcoming such a reliable shooter to the fold.
Adding to the intrigue is the Lakers’ recent hiring of former coach Tony Bennett, who mentored Murphy at the University of Virginia. This connection could bolster the Lakers’ confidence in pursuing Murphy.
The buzz around the Lakers suggests they’re preparing for an assertive offseason. Securing a talent like Murphy would not only reflect their aggressive strategy but also set a clear path for their future ambitions.