The Golden State Warriors’ interest in New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III is well-documented. However, recent reports might make Dub Nation’s blood run cold: the price for Murphy could be prohibitively high for the Warriors, risking them being left behind in the race.
Los Angeles Clippers v New Orleans Pelicans
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, executives around the NBA are pondering if Murphy’s asking price will reflect the one set by Desmond Bane. Memphis recently traded Bane to Orlando for four first-round picks and a pick swap – a blockbuster that proved draft capital can sometimes outweigh players.
*”Some executives around the league have also wondered aloud if it would take a package similar to the Desmond Bane trade to acquire Murphy, who’s only 25 and signed through 2028-29.”*
Given Murphy’s age, talent, and long-term contract, the prospect of a “Bane-like” package is logical. And this is the bad news for the Warriors.
Unfortunately, the Warriors lack the resources to make an offer like Orlando’s for Bane. They cannot offer four firsts and a swap.
Their only strength lies in the potential value of their future picks. Their star trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler are all at least 35. Rivals may view Warriors’ distant future firsts (like 2028 and 2032) as potential lottery picks, which could appeal to a Pelicans team looking to stockpile future assets.
However, picks alone won’t be enough. To entice New Orleans, the Warriors would need to include their best young, talented assets.
It’s safe to assume the Pelicans would ask for some combination of Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Will Richard. All are 23 or younger, productive, and salary-fillers. Add in draft picks to seal the deal.
In other words, to get Murphy, the Warriors might have to sacrifice most of their youth and future. They would be going all-in on “now.”
The appeal is clear: a starting lineup featuring Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Trey Murphy III is a championship-caliber core. Murphy, with his elite 3-point shooting and versatile defense, is the ideal fit.
However, the risk is monumental. If an “arms race” for Murphy transpires, and another team is willing to go “full Magic” in their pursuit, the Warriors could easily be outmatched. They don’t have a surplus of picks to compete, and stripping their youth could leave them barren in the near future.
This is a franchise-defining decision. Should the Warriors “mortgage the future” for one final all-in push in the Curry era, or should they preserve their youth and seek more affordable pieces?
Pursuing Trey Murphy III is a bold move, but with the new market price, it might be a price too steep even for a win-now franchise like the Golden State Warriors. This deal could quickly move out of their reach.