The Portland Trail Blazers are doing their homework ahead of the trade deadline, and one name on their radar is New Orleans Pelicans swingman Trey Murphy III. According to recent reports, the Blazers have expressed interest in the 25-year-old wing, but there’s a major hurdle: the Pelicans’ asking price is sky-high.
And we’re not just talking about a couple of picks and a role player. Around the league, executives are drawing comparisons to the deal Orlando sent Memphis for Desmond Bane this past summer - a blockbuster that included Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-rounders, and a pick swap. If that’s the going rate for Murphy, it’s no surprise Portland is hesitant to bite.
Trey Murphy III: A Perfect Fit on Paper
There’s no denying Murphy checks a lot of boxes for the Blazers. He’s young, athletic, and fits snugly into the defensive-minded, versatile identity Portland has been building under GM Joe Cronin. Despite a rocky 10-16 start to the season, the Blazers have shown flashes of promise - especially on the defensive end - and Murphy could help accelerate that growth.
At 6-foot-9 with a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to guard multiple positions, Murphy is exactly the kind of player teams want in today’s NBA. He spaces the floor, plays within the system, and brings real two-way value. For a team like Portland, which is trying to build a long-term core without sacrificing its defensive backbone, Murphy feels like a tailor-made fit.
But the Price? That’s the Problem
Here’s where things get tricky. The Pelicans aren’t shopping Murphy, but they’re willing to listen - if the offer is overwhelming.
And based on what’s being floated, it would take a massive haul to pry him away from New Orleans. That kind of package - multiple unprotected firsts, proven veterans, and a pick swap - is the type of deal you make when you believe you're one move away from serious contention.
Portland, despite its strides, isn’t there yet.
Cronin has shown he’s not afraid to spend draft capital when the right player becomes available. Just look at the Deni Avdija trade with Washington.
That was a smart, forward-thinking move - buying low on a player with upside who fit the rebuild timeline. But the rumored Murphy deal?
That’s a different ballgame. This would be buying at peak value, and that’s a risky bet for a team still in the early stages of a roster transformation.
Murphy’s Ceiling and the Blazers’ Timeline
There’s a lot to like about Murphy, but it’s fair to ask: is he the kind of player who moves the needle in a big way? He’s not a primary ballhandler or a shot creator.
He’s not going to carry an offense. He’s a high-level complementary piece - the kind of player who thrives next to stars, not necessarily someone who becomes one.
That’s not a knock. Every title team needs guys like Murphy. But for Portland, which still lacks a true No. 1 option and is trying to sort out its long-term pecking order, giving up a treasure chest of assets for a secondary piece might be premature.
The Western Conference is loaded. Teams like Oklahoma City and San Antonio are already ahead of schedule, and the arms race isn’t slowing down. If the Blazers are going to cash in their draft capital, it needs to be for a player who can elevate their ceiling in a significant way - not just help them sneak into the play-in.
The Bottom Line: Interest Is Real, But the Cost Is Too High
There’s no doubt Murphy would be a strong addition to Portland’s core. He fits the timeline, the system, and the vision. But if the asking price mirrors the Desmond Bane deal, it’s simply too rich for where the Blazers are in their rebuild.
They’re smart to be aggressive and explore deals. They’re even smarter to be selective. Murphy is a player worth pursuing - but not at the cost of mortgaging the future for a piece that, while valuable, may not be the game-changer they truly need.
The Blazers are playing the long game here, and patience might be their most valuable asset.