In one of the most eye-opening reports of the 2026 NBA trade deadline cycle, fresh details have emerged about the Golden State Warriors’ aggressive but ultimately unsuccessful pursuit of New Orleans Pelicans star wing Trey Murphy III — before they pivoted to chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo and settled for Kristaps Porziņģis.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Warriors were prepared to send Jonathan Kuminga, their 2026 first-round pick, and a lightly protected 2028 first-round pick to the Pelicans for Murphy. That package represented a serious offer for a 25-year-old, 6’8″ two-way wing having a breakout season.
But the Pelicans weren’t biting.
Sources indicated New Orleans viewed the incoming assets as “undesirable” and demanded at least three unprotected first-round picks to even consider moving Murphy. The gap was massive — and now, with the benefit of hindsight after the Kuminga-for-Porziņģis trade, it looks like a costly miscalculation by Golden State.
The Exact Packages on the Table
Warriors’ offer:
- Jonathan Kuminga
- 2026 first-round pick (unprotected)
- 2028 first-round pick (lightly protected)
Pelicans’ asking price:
- At least three unprotected first-round picks (widely believed to include 2026, 2028, and 2030) to offset what they saw as underwhelming value in Kuminga and the protection on the later pick.
The Pelicans, in the midst of a painful rebuild, wanted blue-chip draft capital they could control long-term rather than a young player like Kuminga (who had shown flashes but inconsistency) and picks that might convey later or with strings attached.
Why Trey Murphy III Was (and Still Is) Worth the Price
At just 25 years old and locked in through the 2028-29 season on a very team-friendly extension (starting at approximately $25 million per year), Murphy represents the exact prototype modern contenders crave: a high-level 3-and-D wing who can create his own shot.
This season, Murphy is averaging 22.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 47.7% from the field and 38.0% from three on high volume (8.6 attempts per game). He’s taken a massive leap as a playmaker too — in recent February games, he’s been flirting with 29.5 points and 5.5 assists per outing.
Murphy scores at all three levels, defends multiple positions, and brings elite athleticism and length. In today’s NBA, a 6’8″ wing who can shoot 38% from deep while developing as a secondary creator is gold.
What the Warriors Actually Got Instead
Instead of going all-in on Murphy, Golden State traded Kuminga (and Buddy Hield) to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porziņģis. The 30-year-old Latvian big man is a proven stretch 5 with rim protection and championship experience — but he’s also a well-documented injury risk and becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Porziņģis gives the Warriors a different look in the frontcourt, but he doesn’t solve their wing depth or long-term timeline issues the way Murphy would have. And the cost? They gave up their most promising young two-way talent for a rental who may or may not re-sign.
The Roster Reality Makes This Even More Painful
Golden State enters the offseason with extreme salary cap constraints. They have very few players on reasonable mid-level contracts, and Draymond Green’s player option ($27.7 million) is essentially a lock to be picked up. Re-signing both Porziņģis and De’Anthony Melton while staying under the tax apron or first apron will be a nightmare.
Had they landed Murphy, they’d have added a 25-year-old cornerstone who fits perfectly next to Stephen Curry — a player who could defend, space the floor, and grow into a co-star as Curry’s minutes decline. Even better: Murphy’s contract is so favorable that, if the contention window closed sooner than expected, Golden State could flip him for multiple first-round picks to recoup their investment.
The Verdict: Yes, They Should Have Paid Up
The answer is a resounding yes.
Three unprotected firsts (2026, 2028, 2030) for a 25-year-old ascending star on a bargain deal through 2028-29 would have been a franchise-altering move. Instead, the Warriors now face a difficult offseason where adding another impact piece without gutting the roster looks nearly impossible.
Even in a best-case scenario — Curry staying elite, Jimmy Butler (or whoever) returning to form, and health on their side — this Warriors team still feels one high-end wing short of true title contention. Trey Murphy III was that missing piece.
Golden State had the chance to be aggressive and swing for the fences. They blinked.
And now, with Porziņģis as the big “get” from the Kuminga era, the regret is already setting in.
The window isn’t closed for the Warriors — but it just got a lot narrower.