Now that the dust has settled a bit since the Celtics’ brutal playoff loss and we’ve had time to digest the season, it’s hard to come to terms with a few things. One is that this team, as currently constructed, is likely a big step below the Thunder and Spurs, not to mention the Knicks within the Eastern Conference.
Another is that they may finally have to split up the beloved core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White. And yet another is that the realistically available options simply aren’t that appealing, or come with major risk.
We’ve heard plenty about names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard, but these are all aging stars with big contracts. They’d likely require moving JB, and they could all end up being disastrous.
Trey Murphy III a perfect budding young star to target
But one smaller name that would be a great addition at a more affordable price point is Trey Murphy III in New Orleans. At just 25 years old, the 6’8” Murphy put up 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists for the Pelicans in 66 games last season while shooting 47%, 38% on threes, and 89% from the free throw line.
He’s a budding young star hiding in plain sight, stuck on a roster that makes no sense. The Pels have a glut of awkward-fitting talent at various ages, and it makes sense for them to pick a direction and build around rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. I don’t fully agree with or understand the direction of the organization, but it seems like Murphy is a real trade target.
Murphy would fit perfectly into Anfernee Simons TPE
Other than his age and game, his contract is a huge reason why the Celtics should get involved, as they have multiple paths to acquire Murphy. He’s set to make just $27 million next season (with two years and $60 million guaranteed beyond that), which would conveniently fit into the $27.8 million traded player exception created with the Anfernee Simons move.
Boston would have to add in some salary and several draft picks, but Sam Hauser and a couple of firsts would be a dream come true. They could also get there by using a couple of minimum contracts instead of Hauser, and if the Pels covet any of Boston’s young players, that could ease the required draft compensation.
Murphy could be vital piece in Derrick White or Jaylen Brown trade
That would be the least painful path for the Cs, but it’s not the only way. With Murphy’s $27 million contract, he could be easy matching money for a Derrick White trade, either to the Pels or a third team. That deal would work 1:1, but Boston wouldn’t need to sweeten the deal with assets, and they could even take back another player or two like Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey, or Yves Missi (along with players from any potential third team).
And if the Cs want to get really crazy, Murphy could obviously be a huge part of any Jaylen Brown deal. In this scenario, Boston could take on Murphy, any of the aforementioned players, or get involved with someone like Dejounte Murray or even Zion Williamson. In this type of deal, they’d probably get back a handful of picks and possibly some other compensation from a third team that’s looking to take on Brown.
There are many machinations of deals for the Celtics this summer, but few options that offer as much versatility and potential as calling up the Pelicans and finding a way to get Trey Murphy III to Boston this summer.
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