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Steph Curry has led the Golden State Warriors to four NBA championships.
The New Orleans Pelicans have set a massive asking price for forward Trey Murphy III.
According to Marc Stein in his latest NBA Substack report, the Pelicans would need a “Desmond Bane-type offer” to consider trading Murphy III ahead of the February 5 deadline.
“What would it take to get the Pelicans to relent on their oft-cited resistance to trading either Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones? I’ve heard this one from multiple teams lately: They would want a Desmond Bane-type offer,” Stein wrote.
That asking price creates a major problem for the Golden State Warriors, who have been pursuing Murphy as their top trade target all season.
What a ‘Desmond Bane-Type Offer’ Means
Last offseason, the Orlando Magic shocked the league when they traded for Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies.
Orlando surrendered four future first-round picks and a 2029 first-round pick swap to acquire Bane. That trade set the market for young, talented wings, and the Pelicans are now using it as the benchmark for any potential Murphy deal.
It was a massive haul, and the Pelicans have earned the right to demand a similar return. Murphy has generated significant trade interest as one of the league’s top wings, and New Orleans is in no hurry to move him unless they receive an offer they cannot refuse.
The problem for the Warriors is that they have already set a limit on what they are willing to give up.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Warriors will not offer more than two first-round picks for Murphy, with one being protected in the future. That is far short of the four first-round picks and a pick swap the Pelicans are looking for.
Why the Warriors Want Trey Murphy III
GettyTrey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Murphy has been the Warriors’ top trade target all season.
He is averaging 21.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game this season. The 25-year-old wing is having a career year and fits exactly what Golden State needs.
Murphy can shoot, defend multiple positions, and contribute on both ends of the floor. His 3-and-D skill set would make him an ideal complement to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
The Warriors lost Jimmy Butler to a season-ending ACL tear earlier this month, leaving a massive hole on the wing. Murphy would fill that void and give Golden State a legitimate scoring threat alongside Curry.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. recently said the Warriors are willing to part with draft capital to bring in a win-now piece. But there is a difference between being willing to trade picks and giving up everything the Pelicans are asking for.
Murphy is the Warriors’ dream target, but not at any cost.
Why the Pelicans Can Demand This Price
Murphy has taken a huge leap this season.
His career-high numbers across the board have made him one of the most sought-after players ahead of the trade deadline. The Pelicans know multiple teams are interested, which gives them leverage to demand a premium return.
New Orleans is not desperate to move Murphy. He is under contract through 2028, which means the Pelicans do not have to trade him now. They can wait for the right offer or keep him as part of their long-term core.
That patience works against the Warriors, who need help immediately. Golden State is 26-22 and sits in eighth place in the Western Conference. Without Butler, the Warriors are struggling to remain competitive, and they need to make a move before the deadline.
But the Pelicans are not going to lower their asking price just because the Warriors are desperate. New Orleans wants a Desmond Bane-type offer, and if no team is willing to meet that price, they will hold onto Murphy.
The Gap Between What the Warriors Will Offer and What the Pelicans Want
GettyGolden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.
The gap between the two sides is significant.
The Warriors are willing to give up two first-round picks, with one being protected. The Pelicans want four first-round picks and a pick swap. That is a massive difference, and it is unclear if the two sides can find common ground.
The Warriors have already shown they are not willing to mortgage their entire future for one player. They capped their offer at two firsts because they want to balance competing now with preserving future flexibility.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, are holding firm on their asking price. They believe Murphy is worth a Desmond Bane-type return, and they are not going to settle for less.
Unless one side blinks, a trade seems unlikely.
Will the Warriors Pivot to Another Target?
If the Pelicans do not lower their asking price, the Warriors will have to pivot.
Golden State has also shown interest in Michael Porter Jr. from the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are asking for multiple first-round picks as well, but there is a feeling around the league that Brooklyn will lower their price if no team meets their demands.
Porter Jr. is averaging 24.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game this season. He would be a strong alternative to Murphy, though the fit is not quite as ideal.
The Warriors could also explore other options before the deadline. But Murphy remains their top target, and Golden State is hoping the Pelicans will lower their asking price if no team steps up with a Desmond Bane-type offer.
Final Word for the Warriors
The Pelicans have set a massive asking price for Trey Murphy III.
According to Marc Stein, New Orleans wants a “Desmond Bane-type offer” to consider trading Murphy. That means four first-round picks and a pick swap, similar to what the Magic gave up to acquire Bane from the Grizzlies last offseason.
The Warriors have been pursuing Murphy all season, but they are not willing to meet that price. Golden State has capped its offer at two first-round picks, with one being protected. That is far short of what the Pelicans are asking for.
Murphy is averaging 21.9 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game this season. His 3-and-D skill set would make him an ideal fit alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. But the Warriors are not going to mortgage their entire future to acquire him.
The gap between the two sides is significant, and it is unclear if a deal will get done before the February 5 deadline. If the Pelicans do not lower their asking price, the Warriors will have to pivot to other targets.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
