Pelicans Unlikely To Trade Trey Murphy III For Draft Picks

Draft picks are not enough to get Trey Murphy III out of New Orleans.

The Pelicans are unlikely to trade Murphy in a package centered on future draft capital, according to Jake Fischer. They would consider moving him only in a deal that provides an immediate upgrade.

Several teams have explored the possibility. The Warriors have contacted New Orleans and are known to value Murphy highly. The Spurs have also shown interest over the past year or two, though their run to the NBA Finals makes a drastic summer move less likely.

New Orleans has batted away those calls. Murphy is 25, draws interest around the league and remains one of the Pelicans' most valuable players.

There is one type of deal that could change the conversation: a move for an established star. League executives have mentioned the Pelicans as a possible suitor for Jaylen Brown, even though Boston has given no clear signal that it intends to trade him.

Any Brown trade would require New Orleans to match a large salary. Murphy, Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray could all factor into the financial structure, with Murphy likely to be the player most attractive to Boston or a third team.

Until that kind of opportunity appears, the Pelicans are holding their position. A team pursuing Murphy must offer more than picks. It has to help New Orleans win sooner.