If the Los Angeles Lakers want to put themselves in a position to win a title right now while also setting Luka Doncic up for the future, trading for Trey Murphy III should be their top priority. The New Orleans Pelicans forward is an elite scorer and a solid defender, and his fit would be absolutely perfect alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves moving forward.
Whether or not the Pelicans are willing to move Murphy is another question. They’ve been hesitant to part ways with him in the past, but with how poorly they’ve played all season, perhaps this could finally be the deadline when they entertain offers.
Regardless, the Lakers should definitely at least inquire about Murphy.
Lakers should target Trey Murphy III in a trade
With a 5-22 record this season, the Pelicans are going nowhere. And to make matters worse, they traded the rights to their 2026 NBA Draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks. (But at least Derik Queen looks awesome.)
Scouring the market for potential trades should be an inevitable plan for New Orleans, and though Murphy is a key part of their core, the Lakers could make a monster offer to try to pry him away.
Here’s a deal the Lakers could potentially throw the Pelicans’ way at this year’s deadline:
Lakers receive: Trey Murphy III
Pelicans receive: Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, 2026 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
Getting Murphy won’t come cheap. He’s an incredible young player who would be a perfect fit next to Doncic and Reaves, as his offensive floor spacing and defensive length would be a huge help.
So far this year, Murphy is averaging 21.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 48.9% from the floor and 36.0% from deep on 7.4 three-point attempts per contest.
Dalton Knecht would be a decent player for New Orleans to take a chance on, and the same could be said for Adou Thiero. Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber would be used to match salaries in the deal.
The real benefit for the Pelicans in this trade would be the two unprotected first-rounders, as they likely won’t have a first this season.
Unfortunately, the selections won’t be super valuable, as the Lakers are looking to make a deep playoff run this year. Still, having a first is better than not having one.
In all honesty, it may take even more than this for the Lakers to get Murphy, but his offensive and defensive fit next to Doncic and Reaves (on a great contract) is too good not to inquire about.