It will take far more than Jonathan Kuminga and spare assets for the Golden State Warriors to pry away coveted 3-and-D wing Trey Murphy III from the New Orleans Pelicans.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that there is “considerable curiosity leaguewide” about New Orleans’ willingness to listen to trade calls on Murphy and fellow two-way standout Herb Jones. But Stein made it clear the Pelicans are not entertaining bargain offers.
“The price point to convince New Orleans to part with either Murphy or Jones — swingmen who both possess favorable contracts on top of their highly desired skill sets — is extremely high and intended to discourage inquiries,” Stein wrote.
The Warriors do have up to four first-round picks available to trade, including future flexibility they have deliberately preserved. But the leaguewide belief is that Golden State is reluctant to part with all of its capital unless a superstar — namely Giannis Antetokounmpo — becomes available.
Trey Murphy’s Breakout Season Drives Value Into the Stratosphere
GettyDraymond Green of the Golden State Warriors steals the ball from Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Murphy strengthened his rising trade value again Thursday, delivering 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting, five rebounds, four assists and three steals in the Pelicans’ 143–120 win over Portland.
Through his breakout season, the 6-foot-8 wing is averaging career highs across the board: 21.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 36.1% from the three-point line.
His blend of size, shooting, defense and positional versatility is exactly the profile Steve Kerr hoped Kuminga would become when the Warriors drafted him No. 7 overall in 2021.
That gap between what Kuminga is and what Murphy already is has never been more evident.
Kuminga’s Trade Value Takes Another Hit After DNP-CD
Kuminga’s already shaky trade value dipped further after he logged a DNP-CD in Sunday’s blowout win in Chicago — not playing a single second, even in garbage time.
To Kuminga’s credit, he refused to express frustration.
“Whenever my number gets called, I’ll be ready,” Kuminga said. He added that he understood the coaching decisions as long as the Warriors continue winning.
His benching coincided with Jimmy Butler’s return and additional wing minutes going to Gui Santos, rookie Will Richard and Moses Moody — a distribution of opportunity that raised eyebrows inside and outside the organization.
Warriors Expected to Explore Trading Kuminga After Jan. 15
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesJonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors is expected to get traded.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Warriors are expected to explore Kuminga trades as soon as his restriction lifts on January 15.
“Golden State wants to find upgrades on its roster, and Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary could be used in bigger trade scenarios,” Charania reported — the clearest indication yet that the Warriors are preparing for midseason roster changes.
The Warriors previously held sign-and-trade discussions involving Kuminga with both the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings last summer, though none reached advanced stages.
Murphy’s availability — however limited — now adds a new wrinkle to the Warriors’ calculus.
Steve Kerr Opens Door to a Kuminga Trade, Citing Organizational Alignment
Kerr did little to cool speculation when asked about Kuminga’s future and his repeated benchings.
“I can imagine that it’s not easy for him [to be in trade rumors],” Kerr said, via ESPN’s Anthony Slater. “We’ve talked about the situation. My desire is for JK to be the best player he can possibly be, regardless of where he ends up, here or elsewhere.”
Kerr then shared a story from former GM Bob Myers, highlighting the difference between coaching and front-office work — noting that while coaches deal with opportunities day-to-day, a general manager must evaluate “a million different things.”
He added that he and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. are “totally aligned” and communicate regularly about the futures of Kuminga and other roster pieces.
Warriors’ Dilemma: Pay the Price for Murphy or Save Picks for a Superstar?
As Murphy’s star continues to rise, the Warriors face a difficult question:
Do they spend their draft capital now for a premium 3-and-D wing, or save it for a potential superstar opportunity later?
With lottery-bound New Orleans setting sky-high valuations and Kuminga’s trade value weakening, the Warriors may soon be forced to choose whether they are retooling around Stephen Curry — or waiting for a franchise-changing swing.
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