As we get closer to February, trade rumors are only going to increase, and there has been plenty of speculation around the Detroit Pistons, who have to make the tough decision of standing pat or cashing in some of their chips for a big move.
The focus has been on long shots like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Lauri Markkanen, but there are less costly options that could present themselves and help solve some of the Pistons’ issues, namely their lack of 3-point shooting.
One such option is Trey Murphy III from the New Orleans Pelicans, who is young, on a team-friendly deal, and would provide the shooting the Pistons lack.
There is no indication that the Pelicans are shopping him at this point, but there were Pistons’ scouts in attendance at a recent game, according to a report from Clutch Sports.
Their article breaks down the Zion Williamson situation and talks about other possible trade targets on the Pelicans, including TMIII. Here’s what they had to say:
“There is a growing belief that Murphy III will be pushed as the face of the franchise, akin to the public MVP campaigning former EVP David Griffin once made for Jrue Holiday. Dumars was “ridiculous” with other front offices this summer, asking for the reported Desmond Bane trade package in exchange for the 25-year-old sharpshooter, as one source said in June.
Multiple first-round picks, a veteran contract, and a decent prospect are the starting points in any bidding for Murphy III's services. That is a price that has not changed and likely won't anytime soon.
The presence of scouts from the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, and Atlanta Hawks in recent weeks underscores the league-wide anticipation of a fire sale.”
Like I said, there is really no rush or need for the Pelicans to trade TMIII given the context, but it does appear there is a price that could at least start a conversation, especially considering the Pelicans are the worst team in the league and don’t have a first-round pick in a loaded 2026 draft.
If they are willing to talk, the Pistons might have the exact trade package they are looking for.
The Detroit Pistons would have to trade Jaden Ivey
The Pistons have a veteran contract in Caris LeVert, who is only signed through next season at a reasonable rate. He’s certainly not going to excite the Pelicans, who would probably prefer the expiring contract of Tobias Harris or Duncan Robinson.
They also have control of all of their future picks and a “decent prospect” in Jaden Ivey, who is a restricted free agent after the season.
The biggest issue is whether the Pelicans would have any interest in Jaden Ivey. Troy Weaver was one who drafted Ivey, so it would really come down to how he feels about the former #5 pick and what his ceiling and future salary look like compared to Murphy's.
The Pistons’ picks aren’t likely to be great, so they would probably have to include at least two and a couple of swaps, if not more.
Jaden Ivey would also have to start playing well and look like the guy we saw before his unfortunate injury last season.
It’s an idea worth exploring, as TMIII is a good defender and arguably a better fit with Cade Cunningham. He’s also locked into a long-term deal that is going to be a huge bargain as the salary cap continues to rise.