No-brainer Trey Murphy III-Rockets trade package is too good for Pelicans to refuse

The Houston Rockets have had a tremendous summer, and they're likely done making major moves for now. If Trey Murphy III becomes available, they should make an exception.

Some Rockets fans won't want to think that far ahead. Let's see how this roster looks before we start trading guys away, no?

Yes. That's fair. Still, some of us can't help but daydream:

Murphy III could be a perfect addition to this roster.

Rockets would love Trey Murphy III

I hear you. The Rockets are one of the wing-heaviest teams in the NBA. Why make a move for another wing? What about a star guard?

In 2025, there's no such thing as too many wings. The Rockets seemingly intend to play Dorian Finney-Smith at the 2 next year. If that's true, then surely they'd see Murphy III as a viable backcourt player. At 6'8", he'd allow the Rockets to maintain their size advantage at that position while bringing bona fide guard skills to the table.

More broadly, Murphy III is the type of potential breakout star that championship teams often target. With an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $28 million, it already looks like one of the best deals in the NBA. If the Pelicans - or another team - increased his usage and he responded positively, it would be a game-changer.

Surely, the Pelicans understand that. Murphy III is just 25 - the organization has no pressing need to move him. So, Murphy III would be costly on the trade market.

Luckily, the Rockets have the assets to get a deal done.

Rockets could acquire Murphy III in multiple ways

Here's what I think an optimal deal looks like (noting that Finney-Smith can't be traded until October 6).

It's been said that a perfect negotiation leaves both sides dissatisfied. If that's true, this deal might be perfect:

Pelicans and Rockets fans alike are going to complain about it.

Pelicans fans would prefer a more proven commodity for Murphy III. Rockets fans might have too much hope invested in Sheppard. Both of those are fair objections:

But this is a fair deal as well.

Let's start with the Pelicans. If they do this deal, they've surely resigned themselves to rebuilding. They'd have to feel that they weren't likely to be competitive in the next half-decade or so - Murphy III's prime. So, a young guard like Sheppard and three future firsts ought to satisfy them.

As for the Rockets - yes, this stings. Even those who aren't committed to Sheppard will wince at the draft capital. That's fine, but you have to give something up to get something. Murphy is a 6'8" wing who averaged 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists with a 59.8 True Shooting % (TS%) in 2024-25.

That 2029 pick is particularly valuable, but if all goes according to plan, the 2028 pick will come near the back of the draft. The 2027 pick via Phoenix is a bit of a wild card. It should be valuable, but a stubborn Suns front office may have something to say about that.

Some Rockets fans will also suggest that it'd be more prudent to swap Jabari Smith Jr. and the same draft capital in an effort to balance the roster. Perhaps, but the Rockets seem to be strategically tripling-down on wings. Smith Jr. is substantially taller than Murphy III, and so moving him would compromise the positional versatility they clearly covet.

Ultimately, this is about adding a 25-year-old star who may have untapped potential. Murphy III would give the Rockets another shot maker without compromising their identity. He'd be a perfect addition:

Even if the Rockets have to wait for him for a while.