Going through some trade packages thrown out for New Orleans Pelicans star forward Trey Murphy III, and grading how they would play out for the Pelicans.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been the non-basketball talk of the NBA throughout the Finals so far as trade rumors have been aplenty with both them potentially trading Trey Murphy and also more recent rumors of them wanting Jaylen Brown.
The decision on whether or not to trade Murphy is one that will have consequences for the team's immediate future. He is a potential franchise player on the verge of entering his peak, but that also means that teams will be willing to open up the vault in order to acquire him.
Here are some trade packages that others have come up with, and whether or not they'd be a good idea for the Pelicans:
Detroit Pistons Trade
Pelicans Receive: Ron Holland, Marcus Sasser, Caris LeVert, No. 21 Overall Pick In 2026 NBA draft, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick and 2031 pick swap
Pistons Receive: Trey Murphy III
Grade: C+
Getting two picks back and a swap would have to be from a worse team to be enough draft capital. Detroit is simply too good for its picks to be very intriguing. Ron Holland and Marcus Sasser are fun, young talents, but not dynamic enough to make up for what New Orleans would be losing in Murphy.
Holland was the No. 5 overall pick in 2024 and has a very high defensive ceiling, but his offense has been abysmal to start his career. Sasser shot 41.5% from three last year, but on only 2.8 attempts.
Three-Team Blockbuster
Pelicans Receive: No. 8 pick in 2026 NBA Mock Draft (Nate Ament), Jonathan Kuminga (sign-and-trade), Zaccharie Risacher, 2028 first-round pick (best of ATL, CLE or UTA)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jaylen Brown, Yves Missi
Boston Celtics Receive: Trey Murphy III, Onyeka Okongwu, Kevon Looney, 2030 first-round pick swap (via ATL)
Grade: C+
With this deal, made up by Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley, the Pelicans get back the pick that they sent away in the Derik Queen trade last season. That could potentially be an interesting piece depending on how the draft plays out, but Nate Ament simply isn't a prospect worth giving up both Murphy and Missi for.
Kuminga was better with the Hawks, but still doesn't make sense as a replacement for Murphy given that he is worse and New Orleans would have to trade him.
Utah Jazz Trade
Pelicans Receive: Lauri Markkanen, Brice Sensabaugh, 2028 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick swap
Jazz Receive: Trey Murphy III
Grade: B
This one is more interesting, given that they are getting an established forward who would fit well into their plans along with a young wing in Sensabaugh, along with two picks.
Markkanen posted 26.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game on 47.7/35.5/89.6 shooting splits. Sensabaugh put up 14.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 46.0/36.7/82.6 splits.
Overall, the Pelicans would probably still be better off keeping Murphy, but if they do trade him this is more on the right track of what they should get back.
