I recently wrote that the New Orleans Pelicans' decision to remain firm and keep Trey Murphy III for the 2026-27 season was the right one, as his value will only grow. For the most part, I still fully back that take, as at this point of the offseason there is less desperation from opposing front offices, with most teams gearing up to finalize their rosters ahead of training camp. That said, there is one team whose desperation to make a move of any sort may have never been higher: the Golden State Warriors.
After hinging their entire offseason on signing LeBron James and now missing out on him, the Warriors are in a position where they need to do something to offer support to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Going back to last offseason, the Warriors have reportedly coveted Murphy III, and that interest carried into this summer and was rumored to really pick up heading into the draft.
Although nothing materialized at the time, if there’s ever been a time for a Trey Murphy III-to-Golden State deal to happen, it is now.
The Warriors would be desperate enough to pay full price
Golden State needs to do something, and Murphy III can be more than something. He’s on a great contract, fits seamlessly into a three-point-heavy offense, has yet to fully hit his prime, gives Stephen Curry a skill set he hasn’t had on the wing since KD, while also being a piece for the post-Steph era. All of those things considered, trading Murphy III to the Bay could net the Pelicans an incredible return and make parting with their most valuable asset worthwhile.
If the Warriors present an offer involving Brandin Podziemski, a multiple post-Steph Warriors first-round picks, and maybe even Kristaps Porzingis, the Pelicans have to take it. It’s not that the Pelicans are in a position where they desperately need future draft picks, but the idea of holding the rights to draft picks after Steph Curry retires would be beyond exciting for any front office. While the Warriors have continued to suggest they are excited about their future and life after Steph, that doesn’t mean things will pan out after he retires.
We see all the time how hard it is for franchises to recover after an all-time great player leaves, let alone retires. It leaves a gray cloud or hangover over a franchise at times; a prime example was the post-Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls.
If you could get two lottery tickets in the form of future Warriors picks, plus a young player like Brandin Podziemski, you have to do it. For as much hate or clowning Podz gets across social media, he was one of 16 players to play all 82 games, brings 110 percent every night, and checks every box for an off-guard next to Jeremiah Fears.
Last season, Podz averaged 13.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 37.9 percent from three on five attempts per game.
If the Warriors start to get desperate to make a move heading into training camp, the Pelicans are in a prime spot to capitalize and get full value in a Trey Murphy III trade.
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