Trey Murphy III is likely to remain a prominent trade target for the Golden State Warriors ahead of February’s mid-season deadline, and perhaps even more so after he was curiously benched for Wednesday’s preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks.
New head coach Jamahl Mosley wanted his New Orleans Pelicans starters to get a feel of coming off the bench, and conversely for his bench unit to get used to starting. While it’s only preseason and such measures are often explored, it’s still an interesting tactic after a summer in which Murphy was once again in trade rumors.
Warriors should already be on trade alert after Trey Murphy III benching
The move didn’t particularly work for Murphy who had five points, three rebounds and three assists in nearly 19 minutes off the bench, shooting 2-of-8 from the floor and putting up multiple airballs as he went 0-of-5 from 3-point range.
Murphy had averaged 15.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists on over 50% shooting in 22 minutes per game in preseason before Wednesday’s game, continuing to showcase the offensive skillset that’s had him on Golden State’s radar since the 2025 offseason.
Trade rumors surrounding Murphy elevated again around the draft with reports of the Pelicans’ interest in trading into a lottery pick, and the Warriors were seen as a legitimate option given they held the 11th overall pick. Golden State ultimately kept the pick and took Yaxel Lendeborg, having proven the right decision based on the early evidence from summer league and preseason.
That doesn’t mean the Warriors won’t retain interest in Murphy going forward to potentially pair with Lendeborg in the frontcourt, with the possibility that the Pelicans eventually cash in on the 26-year-old if the franchise gets off to a slow start and struggles as many expect early in the season.
Warriors still have what it takes to trade for Trey Murphy III
With expiring contracts and draft capital still in their possession, Golden State can put forth an enticing mid-season trade package for Murphy should New Orleans truly make him available. Ongoing concerns around Kristaps Porzingis might make him the most desirable matching salary from a Warrior perspective, though they’d also have to include the injured Moses Moody and would be left with a question mark at the center position.
The Pelicans may need even more draft capital to be incentivized to take on Porzingis, albeit his only $3 million guarantee for the 2027-28 season does make the former All-Star tradable despite the fact he’ll miss the start of the season through another illness issue.
There doesn’t appear to be any threat over Murphy’s starting role entering the season, but Wednesday’s benching is still interesting and should only increase the Warriors’ alert level over a potential trade for the former 17th overall pick across the coming months.
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