The Golden State Warriors have long harbored serious interest in acquiring Trey Murphy III from the New Orleans Pelicans, but the steep cost in draft capital has consistently proven too high to justify. Now, a far more economical solution may be emerging right in front of them.
With the 11th overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, the Warriors appear poised to develop their own version of Murphy at a fraction of the price. Baylor standout Cameron Carr, frequently compared to the Pelicans sharpshooter, is emerging as a highly intriguing target who could be available when Golden State is on the clock.
Cameron Carr: The Cheaper Answer to the Trey Murphy Pursuit
While Murphy remains a coveted 3-and-D wing, acquiring the 25-year-old would likely require multiple first-round picks for a player yet to earn an All-Star nod in his first five seasons. In contrast, Carr represents a high-upside, cost-controlled alternative who brings similar tools without the expensive trade baggage.
Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area recently mocked Carr to the Warriors at No. 11, highlighting his ideal fit for a franchise looking to inject youth, athleticism, and long-term versatility.
“The Baylor product can both splash threes as a great movement shooter and swat shots away as a two-way player for years to come,” Johnson wrote. “As a 21-year-old who will turn 22 in late November, Carr is a great combo of present and future for a Warriors team that wants to get younger and more athletic.”
Carr’s breakout junior season at Baylor was impressive. After limited minutes in two years at Tennessee, he transferred and exploded, averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He shot 49.4% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range on more than six attempts per contest. His combination of scoring efficiency, playmaking flashes, and defensive impact paints the picture of a modern wing who can contribute immediately while possessing significant growth potential.
Murphy Comparisons and Golden State Fit
Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports has noted the stylistic similarities between Carr and Murphy, describing the Baylor product as a “3-and-D player who also flashes some skill off the dribble.” With a reported 7-foot wingspan, Carr possesses the length and athleticism to guard multiple positions and contest shots effectively at the NBA level.
The timing couldn’t be better for Golden State. The team has dealt with long-term knee injuries to key wings Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, creating a clear positional need on the perimeter. Selecting Carr would also address the Warriors’ 20th-ranked three-point shooting from the past season, injecting fresh shooting gravity and defensive versatility into the rotation.
While taking Carr at 11 might represent a slight reach according to some consensus mock drafts — which often project him as a mid-to-late first-round prospect — his availability at that spot would give Golden State a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect without surrendering future assets in a trade.
Strategic Shift Toward Sustainable Youth Movement
This potential selection signals a strategic pivot for the Warriors. Rather than mortgaging the future with an expensive trade for an established player like Murphy, Golden State could invest in a younger, more athletic wing who mirrors Murphy’s strengths while aligning with the franchise’s desire to build a more sustainable roster.
Cameron Carr may not yet carry the name recognition of Trey Murphy III, but his blend of movement shooting, defensive tools, and improving creation skills could make him the next 3-and-D nightmare opposing defenses dread facing — all developed in-house at a fraction of the cost.
For a Golden State team navigating the delicate balance between contention and roster evolution, Carr at No. 11 offers a compelling path forward: present impact with long-term upside, without breaking the bank.