Rockets could steal dream Trey Murphy trade if Pelicans finally face reality

LaMelo Ball and Giannis Antetokounmpo have found new homes early this NBA offseason. Trey Murphy of the New Orleans Pelicans could be one of the next big-time names on the move. If so, Houston should look to acquire the 26-year-old sharpshooter.

The trade market may be shifting in Houston’s favor

One surprising aspect of both recent blockbuster trades is the draft compensation going back to the Hornets and Bucks, respectively. Each team received a large haul of picks, but those packages were still small in comparison to trades from past years involving Mikal Bridges, Desmond Bane, and the Kevin Durant-to-Phoenix deal.

The most likely reason for this is how the newest NBA CBA has added value to cheap contributors and devalued large contracts.

The New Orleans Pelicans were reportedly looking for four first-round picks for Trey Murphy at this past NBA trade deadline. Given how Giannis and Ball both failed to go for four outright first-round draft picks, the Pelicans may have to lower their asking price.

If New Orleans would accept a package built around Reed Sheppard and two first-round picks, then the Rockets should be very willing to offer that deal. Even if they need to include a third first-round draft pick to outbid other teams, Houston should pull the trigger.

Trey Murphy is a perfect fit in Houston

Moving Sheppard would be a difficult decision, but Murphy's age, skillset, and fit would justify that kind of sacrifice.

Murphy is the type of player who would fit seamlessly in Houston. He is a strong defender Ime Udoka would trust in big minutes, but he is also a well-rounded three-level scorer. He is especially proficient from three-point range, shooting 37.9% from three last season on 8.6 attempts per game.

Pairing Murphy and Amen Thompson would give Houston an inside-outside threat on the wings offensively and a devastating wing duo defensively. Murphy would also benefit greatly from Alperen Sengun’s ability to make plays from the inside.

At this point, this trade is just a hypothetical. New Orleans may not be willing to lower its asking price, even with recent blockbusters showing the trade market is changing. However, if the Pelicans do lower their price, then Houston needs to jump at the opportunity.

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