The New Orleans Pelicans are in a weird spot. They have a lot of talented players on their roster, starting with Zion Williamson. They have younger guys in the fold as well, like Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, Jordan Hawkins, and others.
The Pelicans have had a weird offseason, as they traded away their 2026 first-round pick to the Hawks in order to move up and select Queen. That pick is likely headed for the lottery, as New Orleans is not a lock for a playoff spot in a crowded West. Now, the Pelicans find themselves in trade rumors once again with one of their best young players.
Murphy III is reportedly receiving trade interest from two rival teams
The Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs have shown interest in trading for the young forward. Murphy had an injury-riddled year last season but was one of the most underrated players in the league when he played.
Murphy averaged a career high in points per game (21.2) and assists (3.5). He was efficient with a 60 percent true-shooting percentage and 45/36 splits from the field. He showcased improved shot creation, ball-handling, and ability to get to the rim.
Murphy is also only 24 years old and on a very good contract. His four-year, $112 million extension kicks in this season with a $28 million per year average. Murphy is only ascending, so it is very likely that he outplays his contract and earns himself a max at some point in his career.
The Pelicans must keep Murphy at all costs
New Orleans cannot afford to make another boneheaded move when it comes to building their roster. They need to be in the business of keeping their young players so they can continue to build for the future.
Murphy would be a perfect fit on both the Spurs and Warriors, but what could either team offer that would make the Pelicans better? San Antonio would likely leave Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper off the table, so would a package of Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson really make New Orleans better?
Golden State is in the same boat, as they would likely put Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis on the table. Again, this trio gives the Pelicans more depth, but neither player has the ceiling of Murphy.
New Orleans has made their fair share of boneheaded transactions over the years. Drafting Murphy and signing him to an extension has not been one of them. He is one of their more promising young players and is only scratching the surface of how good he can be at 25 years old.
In order for the Pelicans to escape the cellar of the West, not only do they need to stay healthy, but they also need to continue to develop their young core. Murphy is set to be a huge part of that.