Warriors Shake NBA: $112M Blockbuster Trade with Direct Rival
The Golden State Warriors are shaking up the NBA landscape with a blockbuster move, reportedly finalizing a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans for dynamic small forward Trey Murphy. At just 25 years old, Murphy’s blend of elite shooting, versatile defense, and untapped potential makes him a perfect fit for the Warriors’ high-octane system. Sources confirm the deal, valued at $112 million, marks a bold step by Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy to retool the roster around superstars Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, setting the stage for a championship push.
Zion Williamson, Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy
Murphy, a quintessential 3-and-D wing, brings exactly what the Warriors need: floor-spacing sharpshooting and tenacious perimeter defense. Last season, he averaged an impressive 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 53 games, shooting 45.4% from the field and 36.1% from three on 8.3 attempts per game. Despite his season being cut short by a torn labrum and partially torn rotator cuff in March, Murphy’s youth and skill set signal a high ceiling, making him a coveted asset.
With Stephen Curry’s unparalleled gravity and Jimmy Butler’s two-way dominance, Murphy is poised to thrive in Golden State. His ability to knock down open threes—generated by Curry’s off-ball movement and Butler’s playmaking—will make him the best shooter Curry has teamed up with since Klay Thompson’s departure. On defense, Murphy’s switchability complements Draymond Green’s anchoring presence, creating a versatile unit capable of stifling opponents.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Warriors have long admired Murphy, reaching out to New Orleans as recently as this summer to explore trade terms. The Pelicans, however, initially resisted, valuing Murphy’s contributions and his team-friendly $25 million contract for the 2025-26 season. “The Pelicans have batted away calls for the 25-year-old, valuing him highly,” Fischer noted. Yet, the Warriors’ persistence and a compelling trade package ultimately swayed New Orleans, marking a significant coup for Golden State.
Sources also indicate that the San Antonio Spurs, another team eyeing Murphy, were in the mix but couldn’t match the Warriors’ offer. This trade not only bolsters Golden State but also shifts the balance of power in the Western Conference, leaving rivals scrambling to respond.
Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy has been clear about his strategy: enhance the roster around Curry, Butler, Draymond Green, Brandon Podziemski, and Moses Moody while maintaining the team’s identity. “How do we complement around Steph and Jimmy and Draymond and BP and Moses?” Dunleavy told Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard in June. “What do we need to add to that? It’s a tricky one. You’ve got a little bit of a needle to thread with it.”
Murphy is the answer. His ability to stretch the floor and guard multiple positions aligns perfectly with Steve Kerr’s system, which thrives on pace, spacing, and defensive flexibility. This acquisition signals Dunleavy’s commitment to maximizing Curry’s prime while integrating young, high-upside talent like Murphy.
With Murphy in the fold, the Warriors are primed to reclaim their spot atop the NBA. His seamless fit alongside Curry and Butler creates a dynamic trio capable of outshooting and outdefending opponents. As the 2025-26 season looms, this trade sends a clear message: Golden State is all-in, and the rest of the league is on notice.