There's been plenty of trade chatter surrounding what the New Orleans Pelicans' new decision maker, Joe Dumars, will do with their polarizing star, Zion Williamson. But perhaps we've been looking at the wrong Pelicans player all along as a potential trade candidate for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor reports that there are no untouchable players on the Pelicans' roster. "League sources say the Pelicans are gauging the market for everyone on their roster," said O'Connor. "They very well could end up keeping their core pieces, but it appears the Pelicans are looking into taking different paths this summer depending on what opportunities become available."
If this latest intel is true, Trey Murphy III becomes an ideal trade candidate for the Trail Blazers this summer.
Trey Murphy III would fit in perfectly with Portland's young core
Murphy is 24 years old and would fit perfectly with what the Trail Blazers have been building the past few seasons. He'd be integral to a versatile wing trio in Rip City, aligning with the timelines of building blocks Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara.
Unfortunately, his season was cut short to 53 games after suffering a torn labrum in his right shoulder. But before the injury, Murphy had a breakout season, averaging 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals on 45/36/89 shooting splits.
A career 38.3 percent three-point shooter, Murphy would help address the Trail Blazers' biggest roster weakness, while his 6-foot-8 frame would also help bolster a strength. That alone makes Murphy a valuable 3-and-D wing, which is highly coveted in today's NBA. But he also possesses an improving and underrated skill set as a shot-creator, giving him an All-Star-level ceiling.
Acquiring that type of player just entering his prime wouldn't come cheap. However, general manager Joe Cronin has proven to be aggressive in including draft capital if the right player comes around. It's a risky proposition for a rebuilding team that could potentially backfire. But he absolutely nailed the Deni Avdija deal that included two first-rounders. Could Murphy be this year's version of that trade?
What do the Trail Blazers have to offer?
The Trail Blazers have Anfernee Simons and a plethora of bigs to entice the Pelicans, who have shallow guard depth and a questionable center rotation. But it wouldn't make sense for the Pelicans to part ways with 24-year-old Murphy for 25-year-old Simons unless significant draft capital was attached.
Portland could dangle this year's No. 11 overall pick, but there's also one common thread between the two teams: the Milwaukee Bucks' future draft picks.
Because of that, both teams have leverage as facilitators in any potential blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. Perhaps Portland could benefit from a multi-team trade where they include the Bucks' picks as part of a larger deal that lands them Murphy.
Milwaukee's future draft picks have suddenly become one of the most coveted assets in the league. If Portland decides to cash that chip in this summer, it must be worth it. And there may be no up-and-coming player who checks all of Portland's boxes better than Murphy.