Whether it be a blockbuster trade for long-rumored target Trey Murphy III or a potential buyout of Jordan Poole, the Golden State Warriors should be keeping a very keen eye on what's happening at the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans' latest signing on Monday now gives the Warriors another to reason to monitor the Pelicans' situation, having filled out their final available roster spot with former Philadelphia 76ers forward Trendon Watford as first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.
Warriors given new reason to monitor Pelicans after Trendon Watford signing
The real interest here is the subsequent implications Watford's addition has on New Orleans' interest in L.A. Clippers restricted free agent Benedict Mathurin. The former sixth overall pick may fall behind Jalen Duren and Peyton Watson when it comes to restricted free agents whose futures have yet to be resolved, but Mathurin is generating just as much interest after averaging 17.6 points and 5.4 rebounds in 54 combined games with the Clippers and Indiana Pacers last season.
The Pelicans were first linked to Mathurin a few weeks ago, and they remain one of multiple teams in conversations for the 24-year-old according to NBA insider Marc Stein on Sunday night.
Not much has changed, I'm told, on the Bennedict Mathurin front. Sources say that the restricted free agent's representatives remain engaged with the Pelicans, Bulls and Bucks," Stein wrote.
Free agent F Trendon Watford has agreed to a one-year, $2.9 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN. Watford considered multiple options but for New Orleans serves as a productive two-way get late into the offseason after a year in Philadelphia where he… pic.twitter.com/F8ecDrfLei
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 17, 2026
But after signing Watford on Monday, any Mathurin pursuit will now require New Orleans to send a player to the Clippers in a sign-and-trade, or make an alternative move to free up at least one roster spot.
This is where the Warriors could come into the play, particularly considering their long-running interest in Murphy, their history with Poole, and the fact they're clearly remaining patient by leaving two roster spots available well into August.
Pelicans can still offer the Warriors their next big move
After strong rumors around a potential deal leading up to June's NBA Draft, there's been no recent reporting suggesting a Murphy trade is imminent. There's also no reporting that suggests New Orleans are considering a Poole buyout despite suggestions and false reporting.
Yet something could still come to fruition, especially given the quiet natures of both teams so far this offseason. The Pelicans project to be a bottom five team in the Western Conference again, but have a number of interesting players who the Warriors may covet. Golden State, meanwhile, still maintain valuable draft picks that they could use in a trade.
This Watford signing leaves even greater intrigue on what the Pelicans do next after filling out their roster, and the Warriors are well placed to be part of any further transaction thanks to the optionality they've prioritized this summer.
Add us as a preferred source on Google