The Los Angeles Lakers will surely be looking to make another huge splash this offseason following their league-shattering acquisition of ex-Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić prior to this season’s Feb. 6 trade deadline.
With Dončić now preparing for his first full season as a member of the storied organization next to a 40-year-old LeBron James, the Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka could view now as the perfect time to chase James’ ultimate replacement at the small forward position.
Pelinka could use this summer to explore the trade market for capable 3-and-D wings, preferably one with plenty of potential next to Dončić.
Fortunately for Los Angeles, recent reports have indicated that the New Orleans Pelicans may be shopping a rising star that can fit this role to a tee in their 24-year-old two-way threat Trey Murphy III.
“With Zion Williamson’s value greatly depreciated and a directive to be in the postseason picture, the Pelicans can afford to stand firm with what one source termed as “ridiculous” returns for Murphy III,” ClutchPoints’ Chris Dodson wrote Friday afternoon.
“A serviceable veteran who can log postseason minutes, a decent prospect, and multiple first-round picks is the starting point.”
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“Given the number of inquiring calls, it is also indicative of Trey Murphy III’s true value, per one source.”
“Several contenders view Trey Murphy III as the missing piece; rebuilders view him as a foundational talent.”
As the Lakers will enter the 2025-26 season with championship aspirations and a sense of urgency with regard to building a future contender, Murphy III could become a heavily desired trade target.
The Pelicans are asking for a specific return in exchange for their 6-foot-8, lengthy wing, and the Lakers could offer a package of Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht and multiple first-round picks to meet their demands. Hachimura has certainly proven to be a calming presence that can contribute right away and Knecht would serve as their promising prospect addition along with feasible draft compensation.
With Murphy III preparing to enter his fifth NBA season, he’ll have some high expectations after authoring an incredible campaign in 2024-25. In 53 appearances for the Pelicans this past regular season, the versatile forward averaged a career-best 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists while knocking down 36.1% of his attempts from three-point range.
Murphy III is an underrated athlete with a solid shooting stroke from distance, and his physical attributes could fit in perfectly with the Lakers’ small-ball ideology under head coach JJ Redick.
By prospectively pairing the rising star next to Dončić and James and giving the team a chance to compete both in the present and future, Pelinka might make a deal of this nature a top priority in the coming months.
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