Pelicans Set a High Asking Price for Trey Murphy III
In discussions circulating within the NBA, New Orleans appears to have established a price point centered around three first-round picks to move Murphy. This threshold emerged after the Pelicans had multiple opportunities to trade Murphy during the NBA Draft but chose to pass on those options. A league insider noted that while there were paths for New Orleans to acquire a first-round pick via Murphy on draft night, the Pelicans did not perceive those opportunities as offering net positive value.
The reporter who shared these details indicated that the Pelicans’ current stance is to pursue roughly three first-round selections as the baseline for any deal to part with Murphy. This characterization aligns with prior reporting that New Orleans has not been aggressively shopping Murphy, but rather has listened to trades and rejected proposals that did not meet their valuation.
Warriors Have Long Pursued Murphy
Golden State has long been linked to Murphy. Before the 2026 NBA Draft, discussions reportedly touched on trade concepts involving the Pelicans’ No. 11 overall pick as New Orleans explored moving into the lottery. Earlier reports indicated the Warriors had proposed packages that included Jonathan Kuminga and future first-round picks, but those concepts did not gain traction.
Murphy is widely regarded as one of the league’s premier young wings. He posted 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game last season, while shooting 37.9% from three-point range. At 25 years old, Murphy is entering the second year of a four-year, $112 million contract, cementing his value as a long-term asset.
Warriors Can Meet the Price—But Probably Won’t
Technically, Golden State has enough draft capital to potentially meet the Pelicans’ reported price. The team can currently trade first-round picks in 2028, 2030 (if the selection falls outside its protected range), and 2032, along with first-round pick swaps in eligible drafts. On the surface, this aligns with the three-first-round-pick threshold.
In practice, the situation is more nuanced. League insiders have suggested that the Warriors are reluctant to deplete most of their premium draft assets for Murphy alone, especially after selecting another NBA-ready forward with the No. 11 pick in the most recent draft. While the Warriors remain focused on extending Stephen Curry’s championship window, they also want to preserve flexibility for future moves should larger opportunities arise.
Lendeborg as a Cost-Effective Alternative
To bolster the roster without surrendering substantial draft capital, the Warriors have emphasized internal development and cost efficiency. They drafted Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 11, a forward noted for his rebounding, playmaking, defensive versatility, and well-rounded game. Lendeborg’s profile makes him a practical alternative to Murphy for teams prioritizing long-term value and budget-conscious assembling of talent.
In summary, New Orleans’ current price tag for Murphy—about three first-round picks—presents a significant hurdle for Golden State. While the Warriors technically possess the draft assets to meet that price, they appear unlikely to exhaust their premium picks solely to acquire Murphy. The pursuit, therefore, may hinge on Pelicans adjusting expectations or the Warriors pivoting to other strategic avenues, including developing players like Lendeborg or pursuing different avenues that preserve draft capital for future opportunities.
For now, Murphy remains a standout option in New Orleans, with the Pelicans maintaining a high demand for premium draft compensation in any potential trade.
