In a significant move last offseason, the Memphis Grizzlies traded their promising guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, a transaction that has continued to resonate within the NBA landscape. The Magic parted with a substantial package, including four unprotected first-round picks, a first-round pick swap, and guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony, to secure Bane, who has established himself as a sharpshooter.
Nearly a year later, the implications of the Bane trade are still being discussed among NBA executives, particularly regarding the New Orleans Pelicans' wing Trey Murphy III. A Western Conference executive recently referenced the Bane deal while assessing Murphy's trade value, suggesting that the Pelicans would likely demand three first-round picks if they were to consider moving the talented young player. "They look at the return for Mikal Bridges (five first-rounders) and Bane and they see Murphy in the same category," the executive explained. However, he also noted that teams might be hesitant to make such significant trades in the current market.
Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports reported that the Pelicans have not yet engaged seriously in trade discussions involving Murphy, who has emerged as a valuable asset since being selected as the 17th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Over the past two seasons, Murphy has demonstrated significant improvement, culminating in an impressive 2025-26 season where he averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, while shooting 47.0% from the field and 37.9% from three-point range.
Despite not yet making an All-Star appearance, Murphy's performance parallels that of Bane and Bridges, both of whom were traded for substantial returns without having achieved All-Star status. This suggests that the Pelicans could command a strong package if they decide to trade Murphy. However, the executive cautioned that replicating the returns from previous trades may be challenging, as teams are increasingly wary of making such large commitments.
The Pelicans face a critical decision regarding Murphy's future with the team. They must weigh the potential value they could receive in a trade against the benefits of keeping him as a long-term fixture in their roster. Currently, Murphy is under contract until the end of the 2028-29 season, providing New Orleans with some flexibility.
Since their last playoff appearance in the 2023-24 season, the Pelicans have struggled to make a significant impact in the Western Conference, having not won a playoff series since 2018. While they possess several promising players, the organization recognizes that they still have considerable work ahead to become a competitive force in the league.
The situation surrounding Trey Murphy is one to watch closely as the NBA continues to navigate an era characterized by frequent player movement and trade discussions. The outcome of the Pelicans' decision regarding Murphy could have lasting implications for the franchise's future direction.
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