Following the Brown deal, which netted the Celtics Paul George plus two first-round picks and two second-round picks from the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston has emerged as a more appealing partner in Murphy talks. League sources indicate that the Pelicans have lowered their asking price for Murphy from the equivalent of four first-round picks to three, a shift that could significantly influence Boston’s strategy.
This development comes as Boston’s assets have swelled. In the wake of the Brown trade, the Celtics now wield five tradable first-round picks and seven second-round picks, giving president of basketball operations Brad Stevens substantial flexibility to pursue major targets without compromising future competitiveness.
Murphy’s market had been seen as challenging for the Celtics due to a high asking price and the need to preserve enough future assets. The return of George to Boston, along with the added draft capital, has changed the equation, making Murphy an increasingly plausible option for a package that could fit into Boston’s timeline alongside Jayson Tatum.
The Pelicans’ adjusted stance is notable in several ways. Initially, reports suggested New Orleans would hold the line on a higher threshold for Murphy, reflecting the player’s age, production, and contract — three years and $87 million remaining. However, recent activity indicates a softer stance, with some executives arguing that Murphy’s current deal and value potentially justify a three-first-round-pick price. Others contend two first-round picks should be the ceiling, given the market complexity illustrated by other off-season moves.
Murphy has established himself as a premier two-way wing, offering length, shooting, and defensive versatility. At 26, he aligns well with Boston’s championship ambitions and longer-term plan with a contract considered strong value for its level of production. His fit is particularly complementary to a roster that includes Paul George, providing another high-caliber wing who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
Several teams remain attentive to Murphy’s status, including the Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, and Atlanta Hawks, all monitoring the situation as the Pelicans navigate their own assets and reconfiguration.
Brad Stevens now faces more actionable options. While it remains to be seen whether Boston will part with three first-round picks to acquire Murphy, the Celtics’ new level of draft capital gives them a credible path to presenting a compelling offer without sacrificing their broader competitive window. If Murphy moves higher on the Pelicans’ wish list or if New Orleans recalibrates its priorities, Boston could emerge as a central contender in the discussions about Murphy’s future.
In summary, the Brown trade has strengthened the Celtics’ leverage and flexibility, enabling them to pursue Murphy more aggressively than before. With five first-round picks and seven second-round picks at their disposal, Boston now has a tangible pipeline to assemble a package that could entice New Orleans, potentially making Murphy the next major domino in this offseason sequence.
