The New Orleans Pelicans are at a point in their franchise where there are many branching paths forward. For their own good, the path they decided to go down should absolutely include forward Trey Murphy III in the plans.
In an appearance for Bleacher Report, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Golden State Warriors "really have interest" in Murphy.
The Pelicans should shut down any potential trade calls they may receive, as the forward seems to be on the verge of superstardom. There is a reason that the Warriors want him, after all.
Golden State is currently undergoing their own troubles with a young forward, Jonathan Kuminga, which is why their mind is wandering to other teams with a potential trade.
According to Fischer, the Warriors had recently offered a three-year, $75.2 million extension to their star, which included a team option in the third year, but it was rejected. Rather than continuing negotiations with Kuminga, there is a chance they will call it quits and ship him off to let someone else deal with him.
The former seventh-overall pick is certainly someone who can develop into a next-level player. While it might be fun to imagine him running with a healthy New Orleans lineup, giving up Murphy is not something the Pelicans should consider right now.
The 25-year-old is already signed two a fair four-year, $112 million contract. He's going to be making John Collins, Miles Bridges and Tobias Harris money this season. By the end of it, he'll be making Brandon Ingram and Kris Middleton money.
That seems to be a perfectly fair price already and could become super team-friendly by the end of it.
Murphy already took his first big jump last season. He missed almost 30 games due to injury issues, but he looked lights out when he was on the court. He posted career-highs with 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and a 23.7% usage rate.
If the forward can continue to take on more offensive responsibilities, he has the makings of a superstar that is homegrown and signed through the 2028/2029 season.
There is an argument to be made that Kuminga has a higher ceiling given that he is just 22 years old, but he is the worse player right now.
The Golden State youngster would also make a more awkward fit with Zion Williamson, so it would cause multiple ripple effects.
New Orleans already has what the Warriors would be searching for by moving on from Kuminga, so why go backwards?