Latest Trey Murphy III trade update gives Celtics a chance to add Jayson Tatum's ideal co-star
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Latest Trey Murphy III trade update gives Celtics a chance to add Jayson Tatum's ideal co-star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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In the aftermath of the Jaylen Brown trade, the Boston Celtics need to start building around their sole franchise superstar, Jayson Tatum. And, with two of his three supporting superstars, Paul George and Derrick White, being in their mid-to-early 30’s, Boston needs to get younger.
The leading target that most want Boston to get is Trey Murphy III, as his playstyle matches up with Mazzulla Ball pretty well. His price point made people balk though, as the New Orleans Pelicans wanted four first-round picks for him. However, there’s been an update to that, and Boston may now be more inclined to make a deal.
Murphy’s new price is more doable
Apr 3, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Pelicans have lowered their demands from four first-rounders to three. This is a little better, and it allows Boston to get more creative with its offer.
The trade for George helps as well, as it gave them two more first-rounders and two second-rounders. This gives them an ample amount of picks to give without sacrificing too many of their own.
Who would get sent for him?
© Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Now, a player would have to be sent back for him. In a perfect world, the Celtics would package up Paul George once again with a combination of some of their picks and the ones they acquired dealing Brown.
However, New Orleans probably wouldn’t want George and his hefty contract, so dealing a guy like Derrick White might be the better option. It would hurt Boston defensively, but White has been declining, and was a horrible player in last season’s playoffs.
Would this make Boston better?
© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
In the long run, yes, it would make Boston better. It makes them much younger, as Murphy is only 25 years old, making him seven years younger than White, and 11 years younger than George.
He’s also a great scorer, as he averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists last season. This would be an upgrade from White or George, but his defense would be worse than White’s,
Overall, if Boston can somehow work a trade to get Murphy that sends White or George and picks, they better find a way to do it.
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