Detroit Pistons Trade Pitch Lands Trey Murphy III to Pair With Cade Cunningham
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Detroit Pistons Trade Pitch Lands Trey Murphy III to Pair With Cade Cunningham
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 18: Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives the ball up the court against the Houston Rockets at Smoothie King Center on December 18, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) Getty
Juan Paolo David
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4 min read
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Trey Murphy III is one of the few bright spots for the New Orleans Pelicans this season. Getty
Trey Murphy III is one of the few bright spots for the New Orleans Pelicans this season. Getty
The Detroit Pistons have been fairly active this offseason, but they are yet to address the need for a second option to Cade Cunningham.
Tobias Harris left in free agency, while Jalen Duren's offense was exposed in the playoffs. Ausar Thompson is working with Cunningham this offseason but as a secondary playmaker, not a secondary shot creator.
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One player that the Pistons could target before or during the season is New Orleans Pelicans star Trey Murphy III.
Trey Murphy III's Trade Value
GettyTrey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first quarter of an NBA game against the Denver Nuggets at Smoothie King Center on January 13, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
According toHeavy Sports' Sean Devaney, Trey Murphy III remains coveted in the trade market, but the New Orleans Pelicans have not been serious about moving him.
Here's what a Western Conference executive told Devaney:
"I think they'd still hold firm on three first-rounders for him. They look at the return forMikal Bridges(five first-rounders) and Bane and they see Murphy in the same category. But those deals, teams are not going to want to do those going forward. So, a good young rotation player and two first-rounders is probably where you land."
Murphy has developed into a two-way player for the Pelicans. Heaveraged21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season. He is also signed to a team-friendly deal of around $28 million per season for the next three years.
Pistons Trade Idea to Acquire Trey Murphy III
GettyTrey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first quarter of a 2025 EmiratesNBACup game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Smoothie King Center on November 26, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Based on what the West executive told Sean Devaney, here's a possible trade package the Detroit Pistons could offer to the New Orleans Pelicans for Trey Murphy III.
Murphy solves the second option problem for the Pistons since he's capable of playing shooting guard alongside Cade Cunningham. He gives Detroit an additional boost on both sides of the ball.
Him, Cunningham and Ausar Thompson on the perimeter would be a nightmare defensive matchup for any team.
On the other hand, Robinson helps the Pelicans' lack of shooting. He's a career 43.7% shooter from 3-point range and was coming off a career-best 45.6% last season.
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Holland is a very good defender, replacing what Murphy was providing in New Orleans on that end. He also gives the Pelicans an alternative if they want to tradeHerb Jones, who has also been linked to multiple teams over the past year.
As for the two first-round picks, it's for the Pelicans' future if they plan another rebuild. Maybe the Pistons can add another second-rounder pick to sweeten the deal.
