Immediately following the conclusion of the 2025-26 NBA regular season that saw the New Orleans Pelicans finish 26-56, Joe Dumars made his goals for the following season clear.
He didn’t jump at a rebuild, he didn’t suggest major change, and certainly didn’t mention any regret. Instead, he doubled down on this team's core and suggested they weren’t far off from competing for a playoff bid in the 2026-27 season. Following Monday’s news that the Pelicans hired former Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley to be the franchise's next bench boss, the idea that this team plans to battle for a playoff spot next season has been reinforced.
With a core centered around Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, Saddiq Bey, Herb Jones, Jeremiah Fears, and Derik Queen, it makes sense why Dumars views this roster the way he does. However, there is one unavoidable question that continues to resurface about Murphy III and the incredibly high demand he has on the trade market.
During a recent episode of Deals and Dunks, NBA insider Marc Stein reiterated that the Pelicans' phone will be ringing off the hook this summer, noting that every team wants Murphy III. This could complicate the Pelicans' efforts to compete next season. Even though Murphy III could be a big part of that if teams are willing to overpay, or if a bidding war tips off, not cashing in on that could be a massive missed opportunity.
Trey Murphy III's market is only getting hotter
This past season, the 25-year-old averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 37.9 percent from three on nearly 9 attempts per game. His ability to flat-out score the ball and to provide elite floor spacing at his size were two of the things Stein mentioned when talking about why he is sought after. Pair that with his ability to get stops defensively, freakish athleticism, and a team-friendly contract, and he's the perfect addition for any contender.
A team like the Detroit Pistons, which just had an incredible regular season, winning 60-plus games, but came up short in the postseason, would love TM3. They need a secondary scorer, floor spacing, and someone to take pressure off Cade Cunningham, but they also need someone who fits their timeline. Murphy III is exactly that.Â
For the Pelicans, a team like the Pistons can offer a chance to reload the treasure chests. They have a boatload of tradable first-round picks, young talent with upside, and the opportunity to fill a major need with a center like Isaiah Stewart. An offer like that may be too good to pass up if you’re Dumars and company.
Trey Murphy III still hasn’t reached his prime and is already one of the league's most well-rounded two-way wings, so obviously, trading him may be a daunting thought. At the same time, if you can not only round out the roster better but also reload and have a strong future outlook, that's something Dumars needs to consider seriously.
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