The Golden State Warriors might be able to acquire Trey Murphy in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis to improve the roster. Murphy is one of the most interesting names on the market as a 25-year-old sharp shooting wing player on the New Orleans Pelicans. Another failed season for the Pelicans could see them looking to move on from certain talents instead of continuing to pay their top players.
Fansided’s Peter O’Keefe reported the following about the potential of a trade:
“Warriors could try and send Kristaps Porzingis in a Trey Murphy III package. In an ideal world, this might happen in a sign-and-trade during the offseason. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to see New Orleans giving the injury-prone Porzingis a minimum three-year contract to make a sign-and-trade feasible.
Instead, the Warriors could sign Porzingis at a slightly inflated short-term salary to make him a perfect trade candidate to include in a deal for a player like Murphy mid-season.”
Golden State will have to sign Porzingis on a short-term deal with heavier salary to appease New Orleans or other interested teams for a trade during next season. Porzingis was acquired at the trade deadline due to the Warriors wanting to add a versatile center who can play effectively on both sides of the court.
Why The Warriors Want Trey Murphy
Murphy has been linked to the Warriors since the mid-point of the past season. Jimmy Butler suffering a season ending injury that will linger into next season created the strong need for a top wing player. Murphy would also give Golden State more youth on a relatively older team.
The consistent play of Murphy for New Orleans shows that he can contribute to a team’s success, but he’s failed to win in recent years due to the lack of consistency around him. Murphy is the kind of player that can be the missing piece for a team looking to win now and find someone they can keep for the long-term future.
Stephen Curry has not played with an elite shooter at his side since the Warriors lost Klay Thompson. Murphy would open up the offense to give Curry a lot of help when teams double team him and can lead the offense when Steph goes to the bench.
Why Pelicans Would Accept Kristaps Porzingis
One or two draft picks would have to be involved for the Pelicans to start stacking their assets for the future. New Orleans need to trade talent, but they will prioritize picks over talent to improve their upcoming years of planning.
Porzingis is perfect as a salary filler, if the Warriors can convince him to sign a short-term deal to set up next season’s trade market. Murphy is growing frustrated in a losing situation, and the Pelicans will likely have to trade their core if they don’t start winning.
The trade giving them even just one Warriors draft pick could see them getting it for the future in the era after Curry retires or regresses. New Orleans must either trade Murphy or Zion Williamson if they want to get any realistic future assets back to start rebuilding.
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