New Orleans Pelicans are at the center of a buzzed‑about trade scenario that could land Trey Murphy III in Atlanta, giving the Hawks a versatile scorer as they chase a deeper playoff run.
Why is Trey Murphy III the Hawks' top target?
Murphy posted a 21.5‑point average last season while pulling down 5.7 rebounds and dishing out 3.8 assists. He shot 47% from the field, 37% from three‑point range and nearly 89% from the free‑throw line. Those numbers make him a high‑volume shooter who can thrive without the ball, defend multiple positions, and stretch defenses. For a team that already boasts perimeter stoppers like Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander‑Walker, adding Murphy would free up driving lanes for Jonathan Kuminga and Brandon Miller.
How does the Hawks' roster shape up?
Atlanta has built a defensive identity around Daniels' elite on‑ball pressure and Alexander‑Walker’s toughness. Kuminga provides downhill athleticism after arriving from Golden State, while rookie big man drafted in the second round still needs seasoning. The front office, led by Onsi Saleh, knows the Pelicans well—Saleh helped construct New Orleans' front office before moving to Atlanta, so he understands the value the Pelicans place on talent.
What does New Orleans stand to gain?
If the Pelicans ask for more than Murphy, they could flip a package that includes Kuminga, whose All‑Star upside remains untapped at 23, or even Zaccharie Risacher, the former No. 1 overall pick with a high ceiling. Risacher’s age and size keep his market value strong, though Atlanta does not need to move him unless a championship window forces a tough decision.
Recent performance context
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 2026‑04‑13 | Minnesota Timberwolves 132‑126 New Orleans Pelicans |
| Last 5 games | 1W‑0D‑4L (LLLLW) |
The Pelicans’ recent slump—four straight losses before a lone win—adds urgency to any trade talks. A shift in roster could spark a turnaround before the season’s final stretch.
What’s next for the Hawks?
Saleh’s priority remains finding a veteran center to anchor a playoff defense, but Murphy sits just behind that goal. Should the Pelicans set a high price, Atlanta can leverage Kuminga’s potential or package a young prospect to meet the demand. The next phone call could determine whether the Hawks lock in a proven wing or keep searching for that interior anchor.
How will this affect the Eastern Conference race?
If Atlanta secures Murphy, their floor‑spacing improves dramatically, likely translating into more efficient scoring in tight playoff games. The added shooting could force opponents to stay honest on the perimeter, opening up the paint for Kuminga’s slashing. For the Pelicans, moving Murphy might free salary space to chase a true rim protector, a piece they lack as they chase a playoff spot in the West.
The trade talk remains fluid, but the core fact is clear: New Orleans Pelicans sit on a valuable asset, and Atlanta Hawks are ready to make a move that could reshape both clubs' postseason outlooks.