The Golden State Warriors have spent the summer in limbo. Other contenders have retooled and added firepower, while Golden State continues to wait for its big splash. The restricted free agency drama with Jonathan Kuminga has kept everything on hold.
Even if Kuminga signs, it feels all but inevitable that he and the Warriors are headed for a bitter divorce. It may not officially happen this offseason, but if he accepts the two-year, $45 million offer on the table rather than the qualifying offer, Golden State gains optionality. That would give the front office a clear cap picture heading into the season, with the goal of moving him before the trade deadline.
In a recent piece, Sports Illustrated’s Liam Willerup pointed to one name in particular as an ideal target for Golden State.
Warriors Linked to Trey Murphy III
The name at the top of Willerup’s list? Trey Murphy III from the Pelicans. He’s young, long, and doing all the things Golden State needs: defense, reliable shooting, and comfort playing off the ball. More than that, he’s emerging as a legitimate scorer, averaging 21.2 points per game on 59.8 TS% last season.
Given the Warriors’ age and injury concerns, adding a forward like Murphy—someone who can thrive with or without the ball—would be massive. He’d ease pressure off Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, while also giving Golden State a building block for the future.
Golden State Face High Asking Price
Murphy isn’t cheap. The Pelicans know what they have, and would want multiple first-round picks on top of any young talent.
That makes a deal before training camp unlikely. The more realistic path would be Kuminga signing the two-year offer he currently has on the table, giving Golden State cost certainty heading into the season. From there, the Warriors could revisit trade talks closer to the deadline, when values shift and teams start feeling pressure to make a move.
What It Means for the Warriors
Golden State is still waiting. Training camp is around the corner, rivals have added depth, and the Warriors are searching for their move.
With the Murphy deal likely off the table before training camp, it is expected the Warriors will turn to current free agents already on their radar—names like Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, or Seth Curry—once the Kuminga situation is resolved and their cap picture clears up. If Kuminga signs his two-year, $45 million deal, the first half of the season could also serve as an audition, giving him the chance to boost his value ahead of the deadline.
That’s when the Warriors could circle back to long-term targets such as Murphy or another high-level forward who becomes available. Patience now could set up Golden State for a bigger swing later. But the margin for error is razor thin, and with Curry still at the peak of his powers, the Warriors can’t afford another wasted year.
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