With reports coming last week from NBA insider Jake Fischer that the New Orleans Pelicans have been continuing to receive a ton of interest for their rising star, Trey Murphy, I think it's time we discuss a potential trade package. The two teams mentioned were the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs. Out of those two teams, I believe the Spurs would be able to make a more compelling offer.
It's important to reiterate that I am a huge fan of Trey Murphy and think he has the potential to be an All-Star in this league. At 25 years old, Murphy is on his way to becoming one of the league's premier two-way stars and is coming off an impressive season where he averaged 21.2 points per game for New Orleans.
All that being said, if the Spurs made the offer, I am about to suggest it would be extremely hard for Joe Dumars to hang up the phone. Based on reports from Brett Siegel, the Pelicans' asking price for Murphy is multiple firsts and proven young talent; the Spurs have a plethora of both those things.
San Antonio could offer Devin Vassell, Carter Bryant, Julian Champagnie, and two future first-round picks.
This would be a hard offer to turn down
If Brian Wright offered this package to Joe Dumars, it would be, in my opinion, tough to say no. Vassell has had a similar career path as Murphy as both men have dealt with their fair share of injuries, but both possess incredible scoring ability.
While I am extremely high on Murphy's isolation scoring potential, based on what Vassell showed in 2022-23 and 2023-24 as the Spurs' first scoring option, I think his ceiling is much higher in that area. During those two years, he averaged 18.5 points per game and 19.5 points per game, while also shooting a combined 37.9% from three.
Acquiring Vassell would also allow Herb Jones to shuffle down to the three and may even improve the Pelicans' defense, as Vassell is a slightly better on-ball defender than Murphy.
As far as Julian Champagnie goes, last season, he proved that he is one of the most underrated bench wings in the league. Last season, Champagnie averaged 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 37% from deep. At 6'8", he could bring some much-needed size to the Pelicans' second unit.
For me, the crown jewel of this trade is Carter Bryant. I am a little biased, as going into the draft, he was by far my favorite prospect. That being said, you can't deny his skills, especially defensively, as in my opinion, he may be one of the greatest defensive prospects ever. He is unreal in passing lanes, has the size and athleticism to block shots at the rim, and his quick feet, great body, and discipline make him nearly impossible to get by on the perimeter.
Outside of his defensive skillset, he reminds me of a mix of Jayson Tatum and OG Anunoby offensively. He likely will never have an offensive peak like Tatum, but he has the same tools as an athlete and shooter.
I love Trey Murphy, and I know Joe Dumars does too. But if I got an offer like this, I would definitely have some sleepless nights if I turned it down.