Warriors Trade Pitch Lands 21-PPG Wing to Help Stephen Curry Amid Extension Wait

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Warriors Trade Pitch Lands 21-PPG Wing to Help Stephen Curry Amid Extension Wait

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during play against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Intuit Dome on April 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) Getty

Alder Almo

Sat, September 5, 2026 at 1:07 AM UTC ·

6 min read

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 16: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors steals the ball from Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on November 16, 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) Getty

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Getty

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 111-96. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Getty

The Golden State Warriors do not need another aging name to squeeze into Stephen Curry's timeline. They need someone who can extend it.

That is what makes Trey Murphy III such an intriguing trade target.

Golden State has already explored Murphy's availability, and the gap between the Warriors and New Orleans has been clear for months. The Pelicans have sought a premium package for the 26-year-old wing, while Golden State has stopped short of meeting that price. According to previous reporting from ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel , the Warriors once offered a package built around Jonathan Kuminga, a first-round pick and another lightly protected first. New Orleans has lowered its asking price to at least three unprotected first-rounders, according to Hoopshype's Michael Scotto .

With Curry eligible for an extension since Aug. 29 but in no rush to sign one, Golden State has reason to revisit the conversation.

Here is one framework that could finally bridge the gap.

Warriors-Pelicans Trey Murphy Trade Proposal

Golden State Warriors v New Orleans Pelicans — Getty Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors steals the ball from Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on November 16, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Warriors receive: Trey Murphy III

Pelicans receive: Kristaps Porziņģis
Moses Moody
2028 first-round pick
2030 first-round pick, if conveyed to Golden State under existing protections
2032 first-round pick

There is no indication the Warriors and Pelicans have discussed this exact construction. But it represents the type of aggressive offer Golden State may eventually have to make if it wants Murphy.

And unlike a desperation swing for another player in his 30s, this one makes sense beyond one season.

Murphy averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists last season while shooting 37.9% from 3. He would immediately become one of the Warriors' best athletes and most dangerous secondary scorers, giving Curry another floor-spacer who can attack closeouts, run in transition and defend across the wing.

That profile is especially valuable with Jimmy Butler and Moody both returning from significant knee injuries.

Why Warriors Could Sacrifice Porziņģis

Golden State Warriors v Phoenix Suns - Play-In Tournament — Getty Kristaps Porzingis of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Moving Porziņģis only months after re-signing him would be painful.

Golden State brought the 7-foot-2 center back on a two-year, $40 million deal after he averaged 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in 15 games with the Warriors last season. The second year is a player option.

But availability remains the concern.

Porziņģis has not played 60 games in any of the past three seasons, and Golden State is trying to maximize whatever remains of Curry's championship window. Murphy is five years younger and plays a position that is increasingly difficult to find: a big wing who can shoot, score without dominating the ball and survive defensively in playoff lineups.

The salary construction also helps.

Porziņģis is making about $19.5 million this season and Moody $12.5 million. Golden State's payroll sits at roughly $221.1 million, leaving the Warriors pressed against the second apron.

Turning roughly $32 million in outgoing salary into Murphy's smaller number would create breathing room while consolidating the roster around a more dependable two-way piece.

Stephen Curry Extension Wait Raises Stakes

Curry's lack of an immediate extension should not be interpreted as an ultimatum.

The Warriors are not treating it that way.

Golden State has remained comfortable with Curry taking his time, and ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks recently outlined why waiting could even benefit both sides. Curry can extend during the season, or he could delay a new deal and preserve more of Golden State's potential spending power next summer.

General manager Mike Dunleavy has also said he remains confident Curry will finish his career with the Warriors.

Still, Curry's patience should not become an excuse for organizational patience.

He is 38. Butler is 36. Draymond Green is 36. Golden State's margin for waiting on the perfect move is shrinking.

Murphy would represent something different: help for Curry now without sacrificing every consideration for the post-Curry future.

Warriors Would Have to Pay Pelicans' Price

The difficult part is the draft capital.

New Orleans has consistently treated Murphy as a premium asset. Scotto's report in July said the Pelicans were still seeking three first-round picks plus a young player after Golden State had offered two firsts.

Moody could satisfy part of the young-player component, although his torn patellar tendon complicates his immediate value.

The distant picks are what make the offer interesting.

A 2028 first has value. A 2032 Warriors first could have considerably more. Curry will be well into retirement age by then, and New Orleans would be betting on what Golden State looks like after the dynasty finally ends.

That is exactly why the Warriors should hesitate before putting every distant pick on the table.

But there is also a point when protecting future uncertainty becomes more dangerous than investing in the certainty they still possess.

Curry remains that certainty.

Murphy would give him the kind of help Golden State has struggled to find: young enough to run with the next era, good enough to matter in this one.

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This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Warriors Trade Pitch Lands 21-PPG Wing to Help Stephen Curry Amid Extension Wait appeared first on HEAVY .

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