The New Orleans Pelicans have been shopping several players this offseason, and Trey Murphy III is the one generating the most buzz. But for a while, the asking price was so high that it scared off almost everyone. Now? They’ve dropped it a bit, and suddenly there’s a line forming.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Pelicans initially wanted the equivalent of four first-round picks for Murphy. That number has come down to three first-round picks in recent talks. And that small adjustment has reopened conversations with multiple teams.
Who’s in the mix
The Boston Celtics are one of the teams that have kept tabs on Murphy’s situation. After moving Jaylen Brown in the Paul George deal, the Celtics picked up extra draft capital — two first-rounders and two second-rounders — which is exactly the kind of package New Orleans has been looking for, Scotto reports.
The Detroit Pistons have been consistent in their interest, but they kept balking at the original price. Now that the ask has dropped, especially after losing Tobias Harris in free agency, Detroit might have more incentive to get something done. Whether they actually pull the trigger is another question.
Golden State’s interest is a little more complicated. The Warriors have been linked to Murphy since the trade deadline, but they’re also tied up in the LeBron James free agency sweepstakes right now. So their level of pursuit depends on how that shakes out.
Other potential suitors
The Clippers have been mentioned as a possible landing spot too. They just traded Kawhi Leonard and went younger, so adding a 24-year-old wing who can shoot and defend fits their timeline. And the Atlanta Hawks? They’ve been watching Murphy’s market for a while. They have multiple future first-round picks and contracts they could move, so they’re in the conversation as a team with actual resources to make an offer.
At this point, it feels like the highest bidder wins. Murphy is a restricted free agent after this season, but any team trading for him now would have his Bird rights and could keep him long-term. That makes the price tag a little easier to swallow if you’re confident in his development.
The Pelicans aren’t desperate to move him, but they’ve shown they’re willing to listen. And with the price coming down, the phone is ringing more than it was a few weeks ago. It’s just a matter of who blinks first.
Leave a Comment