5 Jordan Poole replacements that could be more impactful in 2024 playoffs
By Tyler Watts
2. Trey Murphy III
The Pelicans could look to shake things up this summer after missing the playoffs in 2023. Would they be interested in Jordan Poole? New Orleans has Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum, but keeping their stars healthy has been problematic. Could they trade Trey Murphy III and Jonas Valanciunas for Poole? It would give them another young scorer to round out their roster.
The Warriors likely flip JV or just make it a three-team deal. Valanciunas would give Golden State some added floor spacing at the five, but the Dubs need to save some money. The seven-footer is entering the last year of his contract and should have value around the league.
Murphy III had a breakout second season, and the 6’9 wing offers immense potential. He just averaged 14.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 31.0 minutes per game while shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range. The 22-year-old could give the Dubs some added floor space, size, and length as they push toward another title.
His defense is a work in progress at this stage. Murphy III has all the tools, but he is still figuring out how to put it all together on the floor.
Will the New Orleans Pelicans entertain Trey Murphy deals? If not, they have another target for the Golden State Warriors to pursue?