Trail Blazers Eye Trey Murphy III as Trade Deadline Approaches - But At What Cost?
With the NBA trade deadline set for February 5, the Portland Trail Blazers are starting to emerge as a team to watch - not just because of what they might do, but because of how they tend to do it. Portland has made a habit of operating quietly and striking when few expect it.
From the surprise acquisition of Deni Avdija to the short-lived Jrue Holiday stint, and even the draft selection of Yang Hansen, this front office doesn’t always tip its hand. But now, there’s a name surfacing on their radar: New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III.
Murphy Drawing Interest - Including from Portland
According to league chatter, the Blazers are among several teams expressing interest in Murphy, a 6-foot-9 wing who fits just about every modern NBA blueprint for a two-way contributor. The 25-year-old is signed through the 2028-29 season, and his combination of perimeter defense and three-point shooting makes him one of the most coveted 3-and-D players in the league.
That’s exactly why Portland’s interest makes so much sense. This is a team in the early stages of a rebuild, with a young core that’s still finding its identity. Adding a player like Murphy - who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, defends multiple positions, and spaces the floor - would be a massive boost to both the short-term competitiveness and long-term trajectory of the roster.
But here’s the rub: Murphy isn’t just a dream fit for Portland. He’s a dream fit for pretty much every team in the league. And the Pelicans know it.
New Orleans’ Steep Asking Price
Reports indicate that New Orleans isn’t exactly shopping Murphy, but they’re listening - with an asking price that’s reportedly high enough to scare off most suitors. Think of it less like a player on the trade block and more like someone putting their house on the market “just to see what offers come in.” If you want it, you’ll have to overpay.
Front offices are already drawing comparisons to the blockbuster Desmond Bane deal from this past offseason, where the Orlando Magic gave up four first-round picks and a pick swap to land the Grizzlies guard. That kind of package isn’t just rich - it’s franchise-altering. And if that’s the level New Orleans is expecting for Murphy, Portland has some serious thinking to do.
The Sharpe Dilemma
One of the biggest questions surrounding a potential Murphy deal is whether the Blazers would be willing to part with Shaedon Sharpe. The 20-year-old guard has been one of the most intriguing young talents in the league - a high-flying scorer with tantalizing upside. But he’s also still figuring things out, particularly in terms of shot selection, defensive consistency, and outside shooting (though he’s shown real growth there in recent weeks).
Murphy and Sharpe are both averaging around 21 points per game this season, but they bring very different skill sets to the table. Murphy’s impact on winning is more immediate - he defends at a high level, spaces the floor, and plays within the flow of the game.
Sharpe, on the other hand, is more of a long-term bet. He’s three years younger and arguably has a higher ceiling, but he’s not the cleanest fit with Portland’s current roster, especially if his three-point shot doesn’t hold up or his defensive lapses persist.
That’s what makes this such a tough call. Portland already showed its belief in Sharpe by extending him this past offseason - a clear signal that they’re invested in his development. But if New Orleans puts Murphy on the table and makes Sharpe the price of admission, the Blazers have to ask themselves: Are we trying to build something slow and steady, or are we ready to accelerate this rebuild with a player who helps us win now and later?
What’s the Right Move for Portland?
There’s no easy answer here. On one hand, Murphy is the kind of player who can elevate a team’s defensive ceiling overnight.
He doesn’t need touches to be effective, and he fills a glaring need for Portland on the wing. On the other hand, giving up Sharpe - and possibly multiple first-rounders - could be too steep a price for a team that’s not quite ready to contend yet.
If this turns into a bidding war, and if the Pelicans are truly seeking a Bane-like return, Portland may be better off staying patient. There’s still value in building around the edges, developing their young core, and waiting for a more reasonable opportunity to strike.
But make no mistake: The Blazers are in the mix. And if they believe Murphy is the kind of player who can help anchor their next great team, don’t be surprised if they swing big. This front office has proven it’s not afraid of bold moves - and Murphy might just be worth the gamble.