The Boston Celtics are starting to feel like themselves again. They climbed back above .500 at 10-8 and just snapped the Detroit Pistons’ 13 game win streak with a 117-114 win at TD Garden. Jaylen Brown is playing some of the best basketball of his career, averaging 31.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals over his last five outings. Boston is stabilising and finding rhythm, but the long term question still hangs over everything. Jayson Tatum is recovering, Brown is carrying the load, and the front office continues to evaluate players who might strengthen the next championship window.
A recent trade idea from Bill Simmons brought that conversation back into focus. On his podcast, Simmons floated the possibility of the Celtics pursuing a rising star in the West. New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III.
The Trey Murphy Idea for Boston
On a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons outlined a framework he believes Boston should at least consider. The idea centered around using Anfernee Simons’ expiring deal, rookie wing Hugo Gonzalez, and a package of future first round picks and swaps. It was presented as an offer that might make New Orleans think.
Celtics would receive:
Trey Murphy III
Pelicans would receive:
Anfernee Simons
Hugo Gonzalez
Future first round picks and swaps
Murphy is averaging 19.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.7 steals while shooting efficiently across the board. His 25 million dollar annual salary fits cleanly into Boston’s books when paired with Simons’ expiring contract. In a league where wings with size, shooting, and defensive range are among the most valuable archetypes, his availability would draw immediate interest.
Murphy’s production only tells part of the story. His ceiling is viewed as one of the most intriguing among young wings in the league. Already a plus defender, a confident shooter and an explosive finisher, he has expanded his game every season. That growth makes him more than a clean fit. In the right environment, he could make a meaningful jump.
That potential is not overlooked by players around the league. Coaches and stars talk about him like someone who could take another step, and Boston would understand the value of acquiring him before that leap happens.
What the Celtics Would Be Giving Up
Anfernee Simons has been a steady scoring presence off the bench and his expiring deal gives Boston important flexibility as they prepare for future roster decisions. Gonzalez is young and still developing, but he has shown flashes that suggest long term value. Moving multiple first round picks adds another layer of hesitation, especially for a front office that values cost controlled talent.
That is why the cost would not be small. Teams see Murphy as a player who could outplay his contract if his development continues on its current path. If the Pelicans ever opened the door on trade conversations, the bidding would be competitive.
The question is whether Murphy raises Boston’s ceiling enough to justify the package. It is a steep price, but he adds length, athleticism, transition scoring, and another defender who can guard across positions. His shooting and off ball movement would ease pressure on Brown and Tatum, who currently carry a significant portion of the creation workload.
Why Murphy Fits the Celtics
Even without Tatum available, Boston has carved out a clear identity. They defend, they move the ball, and they lean heavily on the playmaking of Brown and Derrick White. Murphy would sharpen all of those strengths. He does not need touches to impact games. He cuts, rebounds, switches, and hits open shots. His game elevates star wings rather than complicating roles.
His fit also connects to a moment from last year’s All Star break. Murphy interviewed Tatum pregame, and as the segment wrapped up, Tatum asked him, “You gonna be here next year?” Murphy smiled and said, “Yeah, yeah.” Tatum replied, “You heard it here first. He gonna be here next year in the big game.” It was a small exchange, but it showed how the league’s best view Murphy as someone built for that stage.
At 25, Murphy lines up cleanly with the core they want for the next half decade. His contract structure helps, his production helps, and his profile fits what Boston has prioritised for years.
Where the Celtics Stand
Boston is not acting from a place of urgency. They are winning again, the rotation is settling, and Brown is guiding the offense with confidence. But the front office always keeps an eye on opportunities that might strengthen the future. Murphy fits that category.
Simmons put the idea out there, and it will stay around as long as Boston continues thinking about the next version of this roster. Nothing about it forces action, but everything about it fits their style.
A 25-year-old wing with size, shooting, and real room to grow is never dismissed quickly. And for a team balancing the present with what comes next, Murphy is the type of possibility that never fully leaves the board.
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