The NBA Trade Deadline has come and gone, and it delivered plenty of excitement with big names on the move. While some deals came as surprises, one player who generated significant interest was Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans. The Golden State Warriors made an effort to acquire him before the deadline.
“The Warriors continue to covet Trey Murphy III as their dream trade deadline target. Even after Jimmy Butler’s torn ACL, Golden State would love to add Murphy into their core. Golden State can offer the Pelicans Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and multiple 1st-round picks,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
The Los Angeles Lakers were also in the mix for Murphy, setting up what could be an intense battle this offseason. “After inquiring multiple times before the deadline, the Lakers and Warriors plan to once again pursue Trey Murphy III as a top trade target this summer. The Pelicans are reluctant to move Murphy without receiving an offer featuring plenty of draft capital and premier prospects,” Sidery wrote.
However, the Lakers may have a stronger chance of landing Murphy. LA is expected to aggressively add pieces around Luka Doncic this summer.
“Selling the idea of Murphy being a terrific addition to the Lakers is not difficult. The Pelicans wing can perfectly slide in for pretty much any team in the NBA. Even so, he’d be a particularly attractive addition for Los Angeles. The Lakers have craved shooting all year. Murphy is shooting 37.8 percent from beyond the arc this season and is a career 38.2 percent marksman overall. You can probably hear Luka Doncic screaming ‘yes please’ off in the distance somewhere,” Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk wrote.
Another notable connection between Murphy and the Lakers is the recent hiring of former Tony Bennett. Bennett coached Murphy at the collegiate level at University of Virginia, which could strengthen the Lakers’ interest and familiarity with him.
The belief around the organization is that this offseason will be an aggressive one. Acquiring a player like Murphy would not only signal that aggressiveness but also set the tone for the Lakers’ direction moving forward.
