The New Orleans Pelicans hoped to compete for at least a play-in spot this season. Yet after 15 games, they have one of the worst records in the league. At 2-13, they sit at the bottom of the Western Conference and are tied for the second-worst record in the NBA. With the Pelicans sinking fast, it might be time to consider a full rebuild and move some of their most coveted players. According to recent rumors, the trade price for Trey Murphy III is one that only a few teams can realistically afford.
The Price for Trey Murphy III Just Shocked NBA Fans
The Pelicans are staring down another losing season, and it may be time to pull the plug and rebuild around their young core of Jeremiah Fears, Yves Missi, and Derik Queen. Murphy is a young player just entering his prime and can help a team win immediately. According to the latest report by Evan Sidery of Forbes, Murphy will be one of the most sought-after targets at the deadline. Sidery wrote on X:
“Trey Murphy III is widely viewed as one of the most coveted potential trade deadline targets. Rival executives believe the Pelicans could net three first-round picks and multiple high-end prospects in return for Murphy. New Orleans not owning their 2026 pick complicates it all.”
With such a steep asking price, the number of teams that can trade for him shrinks dramatically. The Golden State Warriors might be the only team with enough draft capital, matching salaries, and a need for a player of his caliber. But you never know when an aggressive contender decides to jump in for a young wing who can score and defend at a high level.
Is Trey Murphy III the Missing Piece That Could Swing the Title Race?
Last season, Murphy averaged 21.2 points on 45.4% shooting from the field and 36.1% from three. He also posted a career high in assists with 3.5 per game. Murphy has been one of the most consistent players on the Pelicans. To be fair, injuries have ravaged the entire roster. He hasn’t been an exception, playing just 57 and 53 games over the last two seasons.
This year, he is one of only four Pelicans to appear in all 15 games. He’s averaging 19.9 points on 46.8% shooting from the floor and 38.1% from deep. At 25 years old, Murphy is a commodity nearly every team would love to have. But at this price, he’s a luxury that not many contenders can afford. Whether a team sitting between the fourth and eighth seed in either conference decides to make a move remains to be seen.
The Challenge for the Pelicans
This summer, the Pelicans made one of the most criticized trades of the draft. They traded down to select Queen, but in doing so gave up control of their 2026 pick. Believing they were ready to contend, the Pelicans were willing to sacrifice that draft leverage for a prospect they valued highly.
But 15 games into the season, they now face a difficult decision. Should they pull the plug and tank? The only way to do that is to regain control of their pick. And it’s hard to imagine the Atlanta Hawks giving it back unless they receive a quality player in return.
If the Pelicans are determined to trade Murphy, it likely has to involve a three-team or four-team deal. They need to reclaim their 2026 pick, or acquire another lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
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