The NBA world has been in a frenzy since the Memphis Grizzlies received four first-round picks, one pick swap, and two quality role players in exchange for Desmond Bane. People have been drawing mock trades up left and right, speculating what teams could receive in return for their best players. Players like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Deni Avdija, and even Trey Murphy have surfaced in the NBA rumor mill.
The idea of trading Murphy is unpopular among most of the Pelicans' fan base. But the thought of it happening is nothing new, as earlier this month, reports came out that the Pelicans don't view anyone as untouchable. Since then, NBA insider Chris Dodson has reported that the Pelicans' asking price for Murphy is one veteran who can contribute in the playoffs, one young prospect with potential, and multiple first-round picks.
However, after seeing the return Memphis got for Bane, a player less versatile and with lower upside than Murphy, Trey's price may have increased even more. A haul for him could look something like five first-rounders, a veteran who can help you win now and multiple young prospects.
As anti-trade-Trey-Murphy as I am, this is something the Pelicans should explore, especially if they intend to enter a full-scale rebuild. There's one team that could offer a blockbuster package for Murphy, the Houston Rockets.
Houston gets their guy, while the Pelicans reload
This trade proposal is the type of package I'd expect the Pelicans to get for Trey Murphy, as it checks every potential box.
You get a veteran in Dillon Brooks who can help you win now. He shot 39.7% from three this past season on 6.3 attempts per game and also made an all-defensive team a few years prior.
You get your point guard of the future in Reed Sheppard, who was taken 3rd overall in the 2024 NBA draft. Although he didn't get much run in year one, when he did get playing time, he showed flashes of brilliance, especially as a shooter.
He scored 20 points, shooting 6-for-10 from beyond the arc against the LA Clippers in April. Reed could come in and start in place of Dejounte Murray, who is out for the start of the 2025-26 campaign due to an Achilles injury.
Tari Eason is the crown jewel of this deal as he is a straight-up pit bull. Eason is an extremely aggressive defender who loves being disruptive and creating fast-break chances. He stuffed the stat sheet this past season with averages of 12.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. Tari possesses so much potential, and with a bigger role in New Orleans, could become one of the NBA's best wings.
Eason would instantly become a fan favorite in New Orleans. This is not just because of his high-energy, do-it-all style that the Pelicans fan base loves, but also because of his LSU roots, which would give him a built-in connection with the local crowd.
In addition to these players, New Orleans would add a second lottery selection with No. 10 overall, four more future first-round picks, and a pick swap, giving the Pelicans a treasure chest of picks that could rival the Oklahoma City Thunder.
On the Rockets' side, they get one of the NBA's next rising stars. Adding Murphy gives them the go-to guy they've been searching for, while also keeping their future flexible, thanks to his team-friendly contract at four years, $112 million.
Murphy is exactly what this Rockets team has been missing, a dynamic wing with size at 6'8", scoring punch, and the kind of upside that can transform a good young playoff team into a legitimate Finals contender. The best part? He is just getting started. At just 24, he is coming off an impressive 2024-25 season, where he averaged 21.2 points per game and shot 36.1% from three on 7.6 attempts. Those numbers will only get better in Houston.
Although I don't think moving on from Trey Murphy is smart, if you get an offer like this, it would be hard to turn it down if you're Joe Dumars and the Pelicans front office.