The Golden State Warriors have long been known for their willingness to reshape the roster around their core stars when the opportunity presents itself. As training camp approaches, the franchise is once again in the thick of trade speculation, this time centered on New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III.
A Rising Star Drawing Attention
Murphy has emerged as one of the most intriguing young players in the league. Standing at 6-foot-9 with a smooth shooting stroke and impressive defensive instincts, he represents the prototype of the modern two-way forward. His ability to stretch the floor while guarding multiple positions has made him indispensable to New Orleans, but it has also placed him firmly on the radar of contending teams like Golden State.
The Warriors are still believed to be showing consistent interest in Murphy, according to multiple league insiders. Their front office views him as an ideal fit next to Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic, complementing their offensive creativity with size, shooting, and switchable defense. For a team that has often struggled with length on the wing, Murphy checks every box.
Golden State’s Dilemma
The challenge for the Warriors lies in balancing their pursuit of Murphy with the assets they are willing to move. The franchise has already been navigating a tense situation with Jonathan Kuminga, who reportedly turned down a three-year extension and expressed a desire to move on. Packaging Kuminga as part of a larger trade has been a subject of debate within the organization, though Golden State has been reluctant to undersell one of their best young talents.
Sacramento’s interest in Kuminga has been widely reported, but Golden State’s hesitation to engage fully in those discussions has left the door open for other scenarios. Murphy is at the top of that list, though prying him away from the Pelicans will require significant value in return.
Why Murphy Appeals to the Warriors
Murphy’s rise in New Orleans has been steady and impressive. He averaged career highs last season in points, rebounds, and minutes played, carving out a reputation as both a sharpshooter and a versatile defender. At just 23 years old, he represents the kind of long-term piece Golden State desperately needs to ease the transition into its next era while still competing at the highest level.
Pairing Murphy with Collin Sexton, recently acquired in a separate deal, could give the Warriors a rejuvenated second unit capable of matching pace and intensity with any opponent. But beyond rotations and depth, Murphy’s presence would give Curry and Doncic the spacing they need to operate at full efficiency.
Looking Ahead
The Pelicans are under no pressure to move Murphy, and that makes Golden State’s pursuit complicated. New Orleans values him highly as part of their young core alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Still, the Warriors’ persistence suggests that talks are far from over.
As training camp looms, Golden State’s roster is not yet complete. Whether or not Trey Murphy ultimately dons a Warriors jersey, his name will remain central to trade chatter. For a team balancing its present with its future, Murphy embodies the kind of player who could help bridge both.
