Per Yahoo Sports journalist Kevin O'Connor, there are no "untouchable' players on the New Orleans Pelicans. This report has the Pels' fan base in a frenzy, wondering what this means for Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, and Dejounte Murray. But everyone should be more concerned about Trey Murphy. The 24-year-old averaged a career-best 21.2 points per game last season and is on his way to a breakout campaign in the 2025-26 season.
This report should have Pels fans worried because Murphy is the ideal forward in the modern NBA. He is a true 3-level scorer who can attack the basket and finish through contact. He can space the floor well, killing you in the in-between game. Murphy plays tremendously off the ball and is the type of guy contending teams would love to have, especially at his AAV of only 28 million. If this isn't enough, let's make it clearer as to why trading Murphy could be the worst decision ever.
A Superstar in the making
For me, it's simple in NOLA, Trey Murphy can be a superstar in this league. He has all the tools to be. At 6'8", his ability to handle the ball like a guard puts him in a unique class with guys like Jayson Tatum, Paolo Banchero, Kevin Durant, and DeMar DeRozan. This ability to put the ball on the floor like some of the best forwards in the league makes it easy for Murphy to create his own shot off the dribble.
However, even when Murphy isn't putting the ball on the floor, he uses his off-ball movement to get open. This makes him extremely valuable, as he can be a threat with or without the ball, which gives him the tag as a plug-in play guy. This means he is someone who can fit with any team in the league. Murphy is a defensive nightmare for opponents. If you come too far out on him, he'll drive in and dunk on you, and if you give him too much space, he's going to rain a three on you.
Murphy is also incredibly efficient. He shot 45.4% from the field this season, in his first year being considered the go-to guy for the Pels. He also continued to add to his reputation as a dead-eye from three, shooting 36.5% on 8.3 attempts a game. Trey has a flawless shooting stroke that can be effective both off the catch and off the dribble. I mean, that shot is butter!
Every year of his career, Murphy finds a way to improve. Despite his scoring jumping 6.4 points a night, I think his most significant growth came as a passer this season. With Brandon Ingram's departure, someone had to step up as a playmaker on the wing. That guy ended up being Trey. He averaged a career-best 3.5 assists per game. This playmaking opens up his game to a new level, creating the ability to set others up, especially in open-floor situations.
When thinking about Murphy's ability to put the ball on the floor at 6'8", his ability to operate on and off the ball. His elite shooting touch and ability to pressure the rim. With his playmaking and defensive toolbox growing, he has all the makings of becoming a top 20 player in the NBA at only 24. Trading him would be the worst thing this organization could do, setting them back decades.