The Golden State Warriors have suffered a major setback in their pursuit of New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III, their top trade target all season. According to NBA insider Marc Stein in his latest report, the Pelicans have set an extraordinarily high asking price for the rising star, demanding a “Desmond Bane-type offer” to even consider moving him before the February 5 trade deadline.
Stein revealed that multiple teams have heard the same message from New Orleans: to pry Murphy (or fellow wing Herb Jones) loose, it would require a package comparable to what the Orlando Magic surrendered for Desmond Bane last offseason. That blockbuster deal saw Orlando send four unprotected first-round picks plus a first-round pick swap (along with players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony) to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Pelicans are now using that massive haul as the benchmark for any Murphy negotiations, leveraging his breakout season and long-term contract through 2028.
This sky-high demand has hit the Warriors hard. Golden State has been aggressively chasing Murphy to bolster their wing depth, especially after losing a key contributor earlier this season. But reports indicate the Warriors have drawn a firm line: they are unwilling to offer more than two first-round picks, with one likely protected in the future. That falls dramatically short of the four firsts and a swap the Pelicans are seeking, creating a wide chasm between the two sides.
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Why Murphy is the Warriors’ Dream Fit At 25 years old, Murphy is enjoying a career-best campaign, averaging 21.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His elite 3-and-D profile—strong shooting from deep, versatile defense, and two-way impact—makes him an ideal complement to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. He would provide the scoring punch and perimeter defense Golden State desperately needs to stay competitive in a loaded Western Conference, where they currently sit at 26-22 and in eighth place.
GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. has signaled openness to parting with draft capital for a win-now piece, but there’s a clear limit. The Warriors are balancing immediate contention with preserving future flexibility—they’re not prepared to mortgage their entire asset base for one player, no matter how perfect the fit.
Why the Pelicans Hold All the Leverage Murphy’s explosive leap has made him one of the league’s most coveted young wings, drawing interest from multiple teams. With his contract locked in long-term, New Orleans feels zero pressure to sell low. The Pelicans can afford to stand pat, wait for an overwhelming offer, or keep him as a cornerstone of their future. Their stance is simple: Murphy is worth a Bane-level return, and anything less won’t move the needle.
This patience directly counters the Warriors’ urgency. Golden State needs reinforcements now to avoid slipping further in the standings, but the Pelicans won’t budge just because time is ticking.
A Massive Gap with No Easy Bridge The disconnect is stark:
- Warriors’ max offer → Two first-round picks (one protected).
- Pelicans’ demand → Four first-round picks + a pick swap (or equivalent value).
Without significant movement from one side, a deal appears increasingly unlikely before the deadline.
Pivot Time? Potential Alternatives for Golden State If New Orleans refuses to lower expectations, the Warriors may need to shift focus. Interest has been noted in players like Michael Porter Jr. from the Brooklyn Nets, though Brooklyn’s asking price also involves multiple firsts (with potential flexibility if no better offers emerge). Porter Jr. is putting up strong numbers—around 24.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists—but his fit isn’t quite as seamless as Murphy’s defensive versatility.
Other targets could surface, but Murphy remains the clear priority. The Warriors are hoping market dynamics force the Pelicans’ hand if no team meets the extreme price, but that remains a long shot.
Bottom Line The Pelicans have dropped a bombshell by pegging Trey Murphy III’s value to a Desmond Bane-level package—four first-round picks and a swap. For the Warriors, this is shocking news that threatens to derail their top offseason goal. While Murphy’s skill set would elevate Golden State’s ceiling dramatically, the price tag is simply too steep for a franchise unwilling to go all-in at the expense of its future. Unless one side blinks soon, this dream trade could remain just that—a dream—as the February 5 deadline looms.