The first week of free agency has seen a flurry of activity. While there have been some noteworthy signings, the trade activity has demanded more attention. However, with players like Trey Murphy III on the trade block, it is safe to say that the excitement is far from over.
Trey Murphy III has garnered considerable trade interest since last season, though the Pelicans‘ asking price eventually dissuaded teams from pursuing him. While the circumstances were largely similar this year, a change in New Orleans’ stance could see renewed interest from suitors.
With the asking price being reduced, more teams could look to bolster their wing depth by acquiring the 26-year-old. On that note, NBA insider Jake Weinbach presented an intriguing framework for the Atlanta Hawks to land the Pelicans’ forward. Here’s Weinbach’s trade proposal:
Proposed Trade Details
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Trey Murphy III
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Zaccharie Risacher, Buddy Hield, 2027 first-round pick (less favorable of MIL/NOP), 2029 first-round pick (via ATL), 2028 first-round pick swap (via ATL)
The New Orleans Pelicans are in the middle of some wide-scale changes. Given the quality of players at their disposal, the Pelicans enjoy some flexibility with structuring their rebuild.
While it is surprising to see a player like Trey Murphy III on the trade block, if the intention is to part with him, it only seems reasonable for the Pelicans to receive meaningful assets in return. In this regard, Weinbach’s framework appears to meet the brief by packaging two first-round picks and a pick swap.
But is this really enough?
The Pelicans May Demand More For Trey Murphy III
Although Weinbach’s proposal has some merit, it is safe to say that the package simply isn’t enticing enough for New Orleans.
Trey Murphy III is undoubtedly a star-caliber player in the NBA. Along with his offensive versatility, Murphy brings a unique defensive upside, making him an invaluable asset in the rotation.
Last season, the Pelicans’ forward averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 47.0% from the field and 37.9% from three-point range. With figures like these, it can be argued that Murphy is currently among the best-performing wings in the league.
In this regard, Weinbach’s offer seems to shortchange the Pelicans.
Although the offer features three first-round picks, in alignment with New Orleans’ asking price, the first-round pick swap may not have as much value. Aside from the draft assets, including players like Zaccharie Risacher (9.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.1 APG) and Buddy Hield (7.6 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.4 APG, 34.9% 3P), who were largely unimpressive last season, is not appropriate.
To acquire a player like Murphy, the Hawks would realistically have to formulate an intriguing package. While the three first-round picks appear to be non-negotiable, the player assets may need some adjusting.
Currently, Trey Murphy III is expected to have a cap hit of $27.0 million in the 2026-27 season. The Hawks possess an $11.0 million trade exception, which could be utilized to absorb a portion of Murphy’s salary. Keeping that in mind, the Hawks could potentially package Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($14.4 million) and Asa Newell ($3.4 million) to convince New Orleans to part with their star forward.
In theory, the Pelicans may not see much value in acquiring Newell. Although he could be an imposing presence at 6’10”, given last season’s averages of 5.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, Newell may not bring much value to New Orleans.
Still, the Pelicans may be enticed by the notion of adding Nickeil Alexander-Walker to replace Trey Murphy III.
It is worth noting that Walker began his career with the New Orleans Pelicans. In this regard, a reunion wouldn’t be out of the question.
Last season, Alexander-Walker took massive strides in development, posting 20.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 45.9% from the field and 39.9% from three-point range. Given that he won the MIP award as a result of it, Alexander-Walker significantly boosted his value on the trade market.
Walker might be among the more enticing trade assets the Hawks have this season, but considering his value to the rotation, Atlanta may be slightly hesitant to part with him. Hence, the Hawks could also look to package Onyeka Okongwu ($16.1 million) with the three first-round picks to acquire Murphy, but New Orleans may not see as much intrigue in this deal.
Other than the Hawks, teams such as the Golden State Warriors, the Boston Celtics, the Detroit Pistons, and the Los Angeles Clippers have also been identified as suitors. When noting that these teams possess the assets to make more appealing offers, the Hawks may miss out on an opportunity to land Murphy.
