The Warriors and Spurs want to replace Murphy? Pelicans ask for price: multiple first rounds + immediate combat power!

Recently, there have been frequent rumors about Trey Murphy's transactions. Several sources confirmed that the Warriors had a "strong favorable impression" of Murphy and contacted the Pelicans during the offseason. The Spurs also expressed interest. But the Pelicans' attitude is very firm: refuse any trade inquiries about Murphy. NBA reporter Brett Siegel mentioned: "The possibility of successful deals is almost zero at present" because the Pelicans' asking price is amazingly high - multiple first-round picks, plus young players who have proven their strength.

Why are the Pelicans so tough against a player who has just undergone a right labrum tear surgery and has not yet begun to execute a new big contract?

First, Murphy averaged 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals last season. This is not just a qualified starter, it is already a quasi-All-star output. More importantly, he averaged 3 three-pointers per game, shooting 45.4% from the field and 36.1% from the three-pointer, and hit at least 150 three-pointers for three consecutive seasons. In today's NBA, a front line that is tall and long and can contribute three-point firepower stably and efficiently is a scarce asset. Moreover, he still has certain ball-holding ability and defensive potential.

Secondly, the Pelicans renewed his contract early last summer for $112 million in four years, and it will be executed in the new season, with a first year of 25 million. Against the backdrop of the continued rise in salary cap, comparing his data and potential last season, this contract seems to be quite cost-effective in the current market. Trading him means that the Pelicans will give up a high-quality asset that has already achieved initial results and has controllable contracts.

Furthermore, there is uncertainty about the core of the Pelicans' current lineup. Zion's health is a long-standing problem, and Murray's future may not necessarily be in the Pelicans. I wonder how adaptable it will be next season when it comes to Pu'er's new deal? Murphy’s value is that he can be both the perfect space around Zion and the explosive scoring power to take over the game on certain nights. In case the core architecture needs to be adjusted, Murphy himself may grow into a new core puzzle. The Pelicans management obviously saw this possibility and was unwilling to let go easily when the situation was not clear. The interests of the Warriors and the Spurs are easy to understand. The Warriors need to supplement Curry's final peak window, especially the front line that can open up space and have a size. Murphy is very consistent in theory. The Spurs urgently need to equip high-level shooters around Wenban Yama to maximize the superstar's spatial restraint. They all have motives, but the Pelicans' asking price cuts off the possibility of negotiations. What can the "young players who have proven strength" that the Warriors can provide? Kumingga or Moody's may be counted, but their development trajectory and stability are obviously not as good as Murphy, who has scored 21+5+3. Add multiple first round picks? The Warriors may not be able to take out valuable chips. The Spurs have richer young talent reserves, but it is too risky to give out multiple first-round + potential stocks for a player who has not reached the All-Star level and has a history of injury. The Pelicans' asking price is essentially equivalent to declaring "non-sell".

Pelics' attitude is not open to talk unless there is a team willing to pay a premium of "future core" level for Murphy's future potential. So, the current trading rumors about Murphy are more like wishful thinking from other teams and a tough value announcement from the Pelicans. Before Murphy proved himself completely healthy and continued last season's performance, or before major changes in the Pelicans' internal core structure, the door to this deal was almost welded. The Pelicans are betting that Murphy can get better, and at present, they have the capital to wait for the result of this bet.