The NBA offseason is heating up, and the latest rumors suggest a blockbuster three-team trade that could reshape the league’s landscape. At the center of this whirlwind is the New Orleans Pelicans’ promising wing, Trey Murphy III, who recently signed a team-friendly four-year, $112 million extension. Both the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors are reportedly in hot pursuit of the 25-year-old star, whose combination of athleticism, deep shooting, and playmaking makes him a perfect fit for championship contenders. With a third team potentially facilitating this deal, the NBA is bracing for what could be one of the “craziest” trades in recent memory.
Why Trey Murphy III is the Prize
Trey Murphy III has emerged as one of the league’s most coveted young talents. Last season, he averaged a career-high 21.2 points and 3.5 assists per game, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor with his 38% three-point shooting while also contributing as a secondary playmaker. His 6’8″ frame and defensive versatility make him an ideal modern wing, capable of fitting into any system. At just 25 years old and locked into a cost-controlled contract through his mid-20s, Murphy represents a rare opportunity to acquire a potential All-Star at a bargain.
For the Warriors, Murphy addresses critical needs: athleticism, perimeter shooting, and secondary creation to complement Stephen Curry. The Celtics, meanwhile, are looking to bolster their depth amid financial constraints under the new CBA, especially after a surprising second-round playoff exit and Jayson Tatum’s season-ending Achilles injury. Murphy’s ability to play multiple roles could help Boston maintain their championship aspirations.
The Three-Team Trade Scenario
While the exact details of the proposed trade remain speculative, sources indicate that the Pelicans, Warriors, and Celtics are exploring a three-team deal to make this blockbuster happen. The Pelicans, coming off a disappointing 21-61 season marred by injuries to Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, and Herb Jones, are reportedly open to shaking up their roster. With new GM Joe Dumars steering a potential rebuild, Murphy’s high trade value makes him a prime candidate to net valuable assets, though New Orleans is hesitant after locking him into a long-term deal.
Here’s a hypothetical framework for the trade:
Golden State Warriors Receive: Trey Murphy III (Pelicans)
Boston Celtics Receive: Andrew Wiggins (Warriors), Jordan Hawkins (Pelicans)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Kristaps Porzingis (Celtics), Brandin Podziemski (Warriors), 2025 First-Round Pick (via Celtics, #28 overall), 2026 First-Round Pick (via Warriors, top-4 protected)
For the Warriors, Murphy would be a seamless addition, providing a young, dynamic wing to pair with Curry and potentially Jimmy Butler, who has also been linked to Golden State. The Celtics, constrained by a projected $197 million payroll and second-apron limitations, would shed Porzingis’ $30.7 million salary while adding Wiggins, a proven playoff performer, and Hawkins, a young sharpshooter with upside. The Pelicans, in return, would acquire Porzingis as a one-year rental to pair with Zion Williamson, along with Podziemski and draft capital to fuel their rebuild.
Why This Trade Could Be “Crazy”
ESPN’s Shams Charania recently called this offseason one of the “craziest” in NBA history, and a three-team trade of this magnitude would live up to the hype. The deal would involve moving significant contracts—Murphy’s $112 million extension, Porzingis’ $30.7 million, and Wiggins’ $26.3 million—while balancing the needs of three franchises with different goals. The Warriors are desperate to maximize Curry’s championship window, the Celtics are navigating a financial crunch, and the Pelicans are at a crossroads between rebuilding and retooling around Williamson.
Adding a third team could complicate matters further, potentially involving a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have been urged to pursue high-salary stars like Williamson to pair with Anthony Edwards. Such a move could see additional assets, like draft picks or young players, funneled to New Orleans to sweeten the deal.
Challenges and Roadblocks
Despite the excitement, several hurdles could derail this trade. The Pelicans may be reluctant to part with Murphy, who is seen as a cornerstone of their future alongside Herb Jones and Yves Missi. Trading him for Porzingis, who has a history of injuries, and unproven assets like Podziemski carries risk. For the Celtics, moving Porzingis could weaken their frontcourt, especially with Al Horford nearing retirement. The Warriors, meanwhile, would need to part with promising young talent like Podziemski and valuable draft picks, a steep price for a team already thin on depth.
Financially, the trade would also require careful salary matching to comply with the NBA’s CBA. The Celtics’ position in the second apron severely limits their flexibility, and any deal would need to reduce their payroll to avoid punitive luxury tax penalties. The Warriors face similar constraints, making the inclusion of a third team critical to balancing the books.
The NBA’s Wild Offseason Awaits
As the NBA free agency period approaches on July 6, 2025, the league is buzzing with anticipation. The potential trade of Trey Murphy III to either the Warriors or Celtics in a three-team blockbuster would send shockwaves through the NBA, reshaping rosters and championship odds. Whether this deal comes to fruition or not, the pursuit of Murphy underscores the high stakes of this offseason, where contenders are willing to take bold risks to secure their future. Fans will be watching closely as these negotiations unfold, potentially setting the stage for one of the most dramatic trades in recent NBA history.