The New Orleans Pelicans are in a tough spot-and as the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline looms, the rest of the league is circling. With the second-worst record in the NBA and a roster underperforming across the board, it’s no surprise that rival executives are eyeing potential trade opportunities. While most of the attention has been on Zion Williamson, another name is starting to gain traction: Trey Murphy III.
Murphy, a 6'8" forward in his fifth NBA season, is quietly putting together a strong campaign despite the Pelicans' struggles. Through 25 starts, he’s averaging 21.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 35.5 minutes per game. He’s shooting a solid 48.9% from the field and 36.0% from beyond the arc-numbers that reflect his value as a modern “3-and-D” wing, even if his three-point shooting has dipped slightly from his early-career peak of 40.6%.
At just 25 years old and under contract through the 2028-29 season, Murphy is exactly the type of player teams covet: young, versatile, and locked into a team-friendly deal. He’s making $25 million this season, with a gradual increase to $31 million in the final year. In today’s cap-inflated NBA, that’s a bargain for a wing with his skill set.
Naturally, teams are calling.
According to league chatter, the Portland Trail Blazers are among those interested. Portland has made it clear they’re building around a core of athletic, switchable wings, and Murphy fits that mold to a tee.
He’d slot in well alongside players like Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, Jerami Grant, and Shaedon Sharpe. But that’s also part of the dilemma-Portland already has a logjam at the wing spots.
Adding Murphy would give them another talented piece, but it would also force some tough rotation decisions.
The Golden State Warriors have also long admired Murphy. Sources say their front office has been high on him since his draft days.
But while the Warriors remain intrigued, there’s a sense that their focus may shift toward a bigger fish-namely, Giannis Antetokounmpo-before they cash in their top trade assets. Murphy might be on their radar, but he’s likely not the top priority.
So what would it take to pry Murphy from New Orleans?
That’s where things get interesting. Some executives around the league believe the asking price could mirror the blockbuster deal that sent Desmond Bane to Orlando this past offseason.
That trade cost the Magic a significant haul: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and a top-two protected pick swap. While Murphy isn’t quite at Bane’s level in terms of offensive polish, he’s younger and arguably more versatile defensively.
The price tag won’t be cheap.
And for Portland, matching Murphy’s salary won’t be easy either. Most of the players they’d be willing to move-at least without gutting the roster-make similar money and are signed for just as long.
Expiring deals like Robert Williams III or Matisse Thybulle could help match salaries, but they wouldn’t sweeten the pot enough on their own. Scoot Henderson’s name might come up, but including him would be a massive swing.
Realistically, any serious offer is going to have to be pick-heavy.
From New Orleans’ perspective, there’s no urgency to move Murphy. He’s under contract, producing, and still developing. But with the team spiraling and the trade deadline approaching, the calls are coming-and they’re only going to get louder.
For now, the Pelicans hold the cards. But if the right offer comes along, don’t be shocked if Murphy becomes one of the deadline’s most talked-about names.