The New Orleans Pelicans could be an avenue for the Golden State Warriors to land LeBron James. Instead of going after Anthony Davis, the Warriors could try to pry Trey Murphy III from the Big Easy to entice the four-time MVP to commit to them.
As exciting as that might be for Dub Nation, that scenario has hit a major roadblock, according to NBA insider Kevin O’Connor on Wednesday.
Pelicans Reportedly Shut Down Trade Talks for Trey Murphy III Amid Warriors Pursuit
Once free agency started on June 30, the Warriors were heavily linked to James. Most NBA insiders predicted that Golden State needed to get Davis to land the 41-year-old superstar.
However, reports emerged that the Warriors were not interested in trading Jimmy Butler, whose $56.8 million contract was the closest match to AD’s $58.4 million deal. Additionally, O’Connor wrote that the Washington Wizards have rebuffed trade interest in AD.
As an alternative, the Warriors have been trying to get Murphy, who signed a four-year, $112 million contract with the Pelicans in Oct. 2024. O’Connor reported that that situation has been a non-starter in New Orleans.
“League sources say the Pelicans have resisted all trade offers so far and hope to compete next season,” O’Connor reported.
The Dubs’ rumored interest in Murphy has preceded James’ potential teaming up with Stephen Curry in the Bay Area. Murphy has the length, size, versatility, and floor spacing game that Warriors coach Steve Kerr covets.
This past season, Murphy averaged career-high in points (21.5), rebounds (5.7), assists (1.5), and steals (1.5). He shot 47.0%, including 37.9% from deep. Murphy also showed that he could set up the half-court offense in bursts.
The 26-year-old emerging star can give the Warriors’ aging roster a much-needed boost, particularly with Butler likely missing at least the first half of the season due to an ACL injury. Murphy will be invaluable to a team that will also miss Moses Moody, who is recovering from a ruptured left patellar tendon.
O’Connor added that the injuries hounding the Warriors and their roster flaws are just “not enough” for the four-time NBA Finals MVP to take his talents to San Francisco.
According to O’Connor, the Warriors have “two unprotected firsts, one protected first, and four swaps,” enviable assets that they could dangle in trade talks. How much of that capital they are willing to give up for Murphy and potentially get James is the question.
James left the Lakers to be happy and still compete for the championship. He has always wanted to play with Curry, and he could still enjoy golf in the Bay Area, which should take care of goal No. 1.
However, it seems the superstar forward wants the Warriors to make further roster changes to help him achieve goal No. 2.
