The New Orleans Pelicans have been routinely criticized for the moves they've made for the past few years, but adding Bennedict Mathurin at the price they did is actually pretty smart. If he proves himself to be even better than the bargain they got him for, that could open up the possibility of trading Trey Murphy III. The Celtics had interest before and could be back in the running.
Murphy showed up in Celtics trade rumors earlier this offseason, though it didn't exactly go anywhere. There hasn't been any intel suggesting he's available, but if Mathurin proves himself to be a perfect fit for what New Orleans is doing, that could make Murphy expendable.
The Pelicans are still among the sorriest teams in the NBA. They weren't trying to tank last season, as they wouldn't benefit whatsoever from it, but they want that to change. Adding Mathurin, someone who played a role in the Indiana Pacers' Cinderella run only a year ago, could do just that.
Bennedict Mathurin must shine with the Pelicans
If Mathurin proves himself a better player than Murphy in that system (it's not likely, but crazier things have happened), that could make Murphy expendable. As loco as it sounds, we must remember that among the many factors that went into Brad Stevens' decision to trade Jaylen Brown included their depth.
If the Pelicans think Mathurin is the better option, and as long as it's clear he and Murphy don't work well together, maybe the Murphy dream isn't quite over for Boston just yet.
Trey Murphy III may be the endgame for the Celtics
Murphy is not a superstar, but he doesn't necessarily need to be. Joe Mazzulla's system is all about, well, the system. It's about players who fit his style. Murphy would fit it. Paul George's role will likely be more about being a 3-and-D player than a 20-point scorer.
Well, Murphy brings both of those qualities, and he's a lot younger. He's not as talented as Brown, but Boston has made it clear that they emphasize fit over talent. He doesn't have to fit the mold of a classic superstar, but he just has to fit with Jayson Tatum the same way Derrick White and Payton Pritchard do.
Unfortunately, for that same reason, it explains why New Orleans didn't make him available, and even if they did, they would demand a high price for him. Luckily, Brad Stevens just came into assets recently and has been pretty good about conserving the ones he has.
This is all hypothetical, but even if Boston is good, if Murphy becomes available, they should call. They've gone for upgrades before, no matter the cost, and he would be no different.
Add us as a preferred source on Google