At 5-4, the Golden State Warriors’ season is off to a stable, yet unspectacular start. In the relentless Western Conference, “steady” is rarely enough. True to their innovative nature, the Warriors’ front office is already being linked with creative maneuvers to elevate the roster. Two intriguing, albeit very different, paths have emerged: a dream trade for New Orleans Pelicans’ wing Trey Murphy III and a high-risk, high-reward free agency gamble on former All-Star Ben Simmons.
1. The Dream Fit: Trey Murphy III
With the New Orleans Pelicans struggling out of the gate (2-6), speculation about their roster has begun, and the Warriors are seen as a perfect suitor for Trey Murphy III. As highlighted by analysts, the 6-foot-8 wing embodies the prototype of a modern Warrior.
Murphy is the quintessential “3-and-D” player, but with extra upside. He provides elite length, athleticism, and switchability on defense, capable of guarding multiple positions. Offensively, he is a high-efficiency shooter who stretches the floor magnificently for Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, without needing to dominate the ball. In Steve Kerr’s system, which thrives on versatility and spacing, Murphy looks like a seamless and impactful fit, a direct injection of youth and two-way prowess into the rotation.
2. The Calculated Gamble: Ben Simmons
In a completely different approach, the Warriors are also being urged to consider signing free agent Ben Simmons. This idea, while bold, is not without basketball logic.
Simmons’ recent years have been marred by back injuries and a crisis of confidence on offense. However, his foundational skills—elite defensive versatility, exceptional size for a guard, and innate playmaking vision—remain. The theory is that within the Warriors’ culture, built on player development, ball movement, and high IQ, Simmons could be the ultimate reclamation project. He would not be asked to be a primary scorer, but rather a defensive stopper, a transition weapon, and a secondary facilitator.
3. The Roster Mechanics
Making a move for either player requires flexibility, which the Warriors may have. To create a roster spot for Simmons, the team could consider waiving big man Trayce Jackson-Davis. As noted by Spotrac, Jackson-Davis’s $2.2 million contract has only $100,000 guaranteed until January 10th, making it a low-risk decision if the Warriors believe Simmons’ upside is worth the flier.
A trade for Murphy would be more complex, likely requiring a package of young players and draft capital to entice the Pelicans. But for a 25-year-old who fits the Warriors’ timeline and needs perfectly, the front office may be willing to pay the price.
The pursuit of Murphy and the consideration of Simmons represent two sides of the same Warrior coin: a relentless drive to optimize the roster around their core of Curry, Green, and Butler. One path offers a safe, high-upside fit; the other, a low-cost bet on resurrecting raw talent. While neither move is imminent, the very fact they are being discussed signals that the Warriors are not standing pat. In the ever-evolving NBA arms race, Golden State is proving it remains willing to think creatively, ensuring they are always just one move away from shaking up the entire conference.