​NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 14: Trey Murphy III, wearing number 25 for the New Orleans Pelicans, reacts after draining a three-pointer in the first quarter of a 2025 Emirates NBA Cup game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Smoothie King Center on November 14, 2025. This image is provided with Getty Images’ licensing terms and conditions, and by downloading or using the photograph, the user agrees to those terms. The photo credit goes to Sean Gardner of Getty Images. The Lakers have previously shown interest in Murphy, but an insider report indicates that New Orleans has set a trade price that may be tough for Los Angeles to meet.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 03: Trey Murphy III of the Pelicans takes a free throw during the NBAxNBL matchup between Melbourne United and the New Orleans Pelicans at Rod Laver Arena on October 03, 2025. The photo credit goes to Daniel Pockett of Getty Images.
The Detroit Pistons enjoyed a productive offseason, though it’s hard to say everything went exactly as planned. They entered the summer aiming to land big-name talents and were tied to several notable targets. As the early days of free agency unfolded, many favorites were checked off the list. Austin Reaves, Tyler Herro, and Coby White emerged as some of the prominent players connected with the Eastern Conference’s top seed for the 2026 season. The Pistons took some swings but could not connect on the big fish.
It’s not been a total disappointment for Detroit, but the franchise has yet to land a marquee move. That’s why Cem Yolbulan of Detroit Jock City is advocating a New York Knicks-style audacious move to pry New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III away from the Pelicans. The Pelicans, under team president Trajan Langdon, have made it clear they’re not in a selling mood. Murphy’s value is high, and New Orleans appears prepared to hold firm rather than part with their rising wing at a discount.
If Detroit pursues Murphy, they’ll likely have to shell out a substantial price. Yolbulan argues that the Pistons should view Murphy as a potential centerpiece of their future championship window. “The Pistons have to realize that acquiring Murphy could put them among the Tier 1 of title contenders,” Yolbulan states. “If you can acquire the missing piece in your pursuit of a championship, you do it, regardless of the price, and Murphy could be that piece for Detroit.”
The broader NBA narrative around Murphy reflects a tension between a rebuilding Pelicans organization and a team ready to capitalize on a win-now opportunity. New Orleans has invested in youth and development while still competing at a high level, creating a scenario where Murphy’s demand for a premium return is understandable. For Detroit, the question remains whether the price is worth paying, even if Murphy could elevate them into serious title contention. The debate continues as teams weigh the risk and reward of a potential blockbuster deal, with Murphy positioned at the center of a possible league-altering trade.