There is no player more valuable on the New Orleans Pelicans roster around the NBA right now than Trey Murphy III. The 25-year-old forward is the perfect modern NBA wing, as he has size, athleticism, two-way ability, is a certified sniper from three-point range, rebounds well, and has a strong handle. On top of that, he may not have even reached his maximum potential after averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 37.9 percent from three last season. He's also on a very good contract at an average annual value of $28 million through 2028-29.
All of these factors are reasons why Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver should pull the trigger and sell high on Murphy III this offseason.
The Pelicans hired Jamahl Mosley because they want to be a playoff team next season—or at least in the race. But after back-to-back sub-30-win seasons, things are very unlikely to just turn around with no change. Fans may not like to hear this, but by trading Murphy III, the Pelicans could help fix the team's biggest holes and restock the treasure chest.
The case for selling high
It's not a secret around the NBA that the Pelicans are incredibly shorthanded at the starting center spot. They have guard play and both forward spots covered; they just lack a strong paint presence to anchor things and do the dirty work. Trading Murphy III could net a high-level center and someone who could finally provide stability next to Zion Williamson in the frontcourt.
The biggest pushback on TM3 trade proposals is that the Pelicans already struggled from three, and Murphy III is by far their strongest perimeter threat. My counter to that is that trading Murphy III could also net back other shooters.
Given what the Orlando Magic gave up for Desmond Bane, Murphy III could go for even more, given his size and the fact that he is straight-up more versatile.
Ideally, a Murphy III trade would include a starting center, a floor spacer, a top-20 pick (which would be used on another spacer), and then upwards of three first-round picks. That type of package makes the Pelicans a better team today, tomorrow, and the next day, and if you don't agree, go argue with a wall. New Orleans has such a luxury with their wing trio of Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey, and Murphy III, which factors into why trading Murphy III makes so much sense.
Rounding out the roster and relying on Bey and Jones on the wing is the obvious next move for me, especially if the goal is to maximize the Zion Williamson era and make the playoffs.
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