The Trail Blazers may have a real opening to chase Trey Murphy III after New Orleans reportedly softened its stance.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Pelicans have lowered their asking price for Murphy from “the equivalent of four to three first-round picks.” That’s a meaningful shift, and it puts Portland back in the conversation for a player who has long looked like a clean fit next to Deni Avdija.
Portland had interest in Murphy at February’s deadline, Scotto reported, but the Blazers have not been as aggressive this time around after landing Ja Morant. Even so, the Morant move may have made Murphy even more appealing. The deal for Morant was worthwhile on its own, earning Portland a B- trade grade, but it also left the roster with a fit problem that has become hard to ignore.
The Blazers have lost some of their defensive identity and still need more dependable shooting. Murphy addresses both issues, and at 26 years old, he lines up neatly with the age of Portland’s core pieces.
The price tag is still significant, but it’s no longer the kind of number that should scare teams off. Portland has accumulated nine first-round picks over the next seven drafts and can trade up to six of them. At some point, the Blazers are going to have to package some of that draft capital in a consolidation move if they want to raise their ceiling.
That’s where Murphy starts to make sense. If Portland views Morant as the cheap talent grab and Murphy as the expensive fix for the balance issues that followed, the two moves together can still be framed as a bargain. Three first-round picks for Morant and Murphy combined is a strong return if it leaves the Blazers with a more complete roster.
Cronin has built a reputation as a tough negotiator, one that has helped Portland win deals but also cost them in situations where they stayed too cautious. Scotto also noted that league executives are wondering whether Murphy could be the “next big trade domino to fall” now that Jaylen Brown is off the board.
There will be plenty of interest, but Portland has enough reason to jump back in now that the Pelicans’ asking price has come down to a level that feels far more workable.
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