The New Orleans Pelicans are in a bizarre spot. They’ve numerous proficient gamers on their roster, beginning with Zion Williamson. They’ve youthful guys within the fold as properly, like Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, Jordan Hawkins, and others.
The Pelicans have had a bizarre offseason, as they traded away their 2026 first-round choose to the Hawks with the intention to transfer up and choose Queen. That choose is probably going headed for the lottery, as New Orleans is just not a lock for a playoff spot in a crowded West. Now, the Pelicans discover themselves in commerce rumors as soon as once more with considered one of their finest younger gamers.
Murphy III is reportedly receiving commerce curiosity from two rival groups
The Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs have proven curiosity in buying and selling for the younger ahead. Murphy had an injury-riddled yr final season however was one of the underrated gamers within the league when he performed.
Murphy averaged a profession excessive in factors per recreation (21.2) and assists (3.5). He was environment friendly with a 60 % true-shooting share and 45/36 splits from the sector. He showcased improved shot creation, ball-handling, and skill to get to the rim.
Murphy can be solely 24 years previous and on an excellent contract. His four-year, $112 million extension kicks on this season with a $28 million per yr common. Murphy is just ascending, so it is rather seemingly that he outplays his contract and earns himself a max sooner or later in his profession.
The Pelicans should preserve Murphy in any respect prices
New Orleans can’t afford to make one other boneheaded transfer with regards to constructing their roster. They should be within the enterprise of protecting their younger gamers to allow them to proceed to construct for the long run.
Murphy can be an ideal match on each the Spurs and Warriors, however what may both staff provide that will make the Pelicans higher? San Antonio would seemingly depart Stephon Citadel and Dylan Harper off the desk, so would a package deal of Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson actually make New Orleans higher?
Golden State is in the identical boat, as they’d seemingly put Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis on the desk. Once more, this trio offers the Pelicans extra depth, however neither participant has the ceiling of Murphy.
New Orleans has made their justifiable share of boneheaded transactions over time. Drafting Murphy and signing him to an extension has not been considered one of them. He’s considered one of their extra promising younger gamers and is just scratching the floor of how good he might be at 25 years previous.
To ensure that the Pelicans to flee the cellar of the West, not solely do they should keep wholesome, however additionally they must proceed to develop their younger core. Murphy is about to be an enormous a part of that.
