June has only just begun, but Trey Murphy III trade buzz is in full swing, which has reminded every Los Angeles Lakers fan just how perfect Murphy would look in purple and gold.
The problem is, virtually every team in the NBA feels the same way about Murphy. He'd fit splendidly anywhere due to his defensive versatility and ability to knock down 3s without needing to be your primary scorer or have plays called for him. Plug Murphy into NBA team "X", and you'll see a valuable player. You'll see a guy who adds to winning.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, even if they can put together a respectable trade package for Murphy, someone else around the league is bound to put together a superior one. NBA insider Marc Stein talked about Murphy's market on a new episode of the All NBA Podcast and specifically mentioned the Oklahoma City Thunder as a Murphy suitor who could present an offer the Pelicans can't refuse (or would have to think very hard about refusing).
Lakers are far from the only team that would love to trade for Trey Murphy III
"Everybody wants Trey Murphy," Stein said. "Now ... the Thunder always have the assets to make a trade happen. Like, it would be expensive to try to convince New Orleans to trade Trey Murphy, but the Thunder can do expensive."
Stein then wondered aloud how willing the Pelicans would actually be to trade Murphy, even to an asset-rich team like OKC. The reason is that Murphy's contract is really a bargain for what he brings to the table. Murphy is set to earn $27 million next season, followed by $29 million and $31 million in the following two seasons.
Having an impact, two-way wing of Murphy's caliber for under $30 million in each of the next two seasons is a huge advantage in a league where superstars are earning double that (and more) annually. Murphy, by the way, is still getting better (he turns 26 in June).
In the game of theoretical NBA trades, Sam Presti always wins
Beyond the Thunder having built a roster that's bound to contend year in and year out, OKC's general manager, Sam Presti, has done so while stockpiling trade assets that trump almost everyone else's around the NBA. This is why Presti is always a shadow looming over every potential trade target for another franchise. If you're targeting a certain player (like Murphy, for example), you'd better hope that Presti isn't also targeting him, because if so, you're out of luck.
Lakers fans are thrilled about the idea of acquiring Murphy, but they are also resigned to the reality that Presti and the Thunder will surely end up with Murphy if they really want him. There's really nothing to be done other than hope that OKC has its sights set on other wing targets.
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