The Los Angeles Lakers are actively searching for defensive upgrades as the NBA trade deadline approaches, but their top targets may be out of reach. New Orleans Pelicans wings Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III have both been linked to L.A., yet a new report suggests the price to pry either away is steep and likely unrealistic given the Lakers’ current asset pool.
Pelicans Set Sky-High Price for Lakers’ Target Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III
According to ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel, the Pelicans have made their stance clear to teams around the league that acquiring either Jones or Murphy will require a massive haul.
“Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III are the first two names to come to mind regarding this mold of player, yet the Pelicans have made it clear to teams around the league that both young talents will come at a high asking price, starting at a minimum of two unprotected first-round picks,” Siegel reported.
“There is a growing belief that Jones and Murphy will remain in New Orleans this season.”
Jones is regarded as one of the NBA’s premier 3-and-D wings, capable of guarding positions one through four while shooting around 40% from three. He is also adding 9.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per night.
Murphy, meanwhile, has developed into a versatile two-way threat, combining elite catch-and-shoot efficiency (roughly 39% from deep) with strong perimeter defense and athleticism. He is averaging 21.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while scoring 49.5% field goals.
Unsurprisingly, New Orleans has little incentive to sell low on either player, even amid a disappointing season.
Lakers Lack the Assets to Get the Murphy, Jones Deal Done
The core problem for Los Angeles is simple: asset scarcity. To meet New Orleans’ demands, the Lakers would likely have to surrender their 2031 and 2032 unprotected first-round picks just to acquire one of Jones or Murphy.
Any deal would also require salary matching, potentially involving expiring or mid-sized contracts, such as those of Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, or Maxi Kleber, along with young prospects like Dalton Knecht.
Likewise, Jones, an All-Defensive force on $22.5/year, will demand similar assets. Even then, complications remain. The Stepien Rule limits how many future picks the Lakers can trade outright, meaning multi-team involvement would likely be necessary, further reducing the chances of a clean deal.
With the Lakers already viewed as below championship level defensively, a major roster shakeup may be needed to contend in the playoffs. However, league sentiment suggests L.A. simply doesn’t have the muscle to land a true game-changing defender before the February deadline.