The Atlanta Hawks have mentioned a possible commerce with the New Orleans Pelicans centered across the No. 8 general choose for Trey Murphy III, based on Jake Madison.
The talks come as New Orleans turns into more and more open to exploring Murphy’s market after initially not actively purchasing the 25-year-old wing. A number of contenders have reportedly proven curiosity, with the Pelicans anticipated to hunt a big return that features draft capital, younger expertise and a direct rotation piece.
Murphy has emerged as one of many NBA’s extra invaluable two-way wings. Within the 2025-26 season, he averaged 21.5 factors, 5.7 rebounds and three.8 assists in 66 video games whereas beginning each contest. He shot 47.0% from the sector, related on 37.9% of his 8.6 three-point makes an attempt per recreation and made 3.2 threes nightly.
His capturing profile and contract scenario have made him an interesting goal. Murphy signed a four-year, $112 million extension and is beneath workforce management for 3 extra seasons, permitting a workforce buying him so as to add a prime-age scorer with out the uncertainty of a short-term rental.
The Hawks’ curiosity follows a busy offseason during which Atlanta added Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder for 2 future second-round picks. Wiggins averaged 9.4 factors, 3.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 65 video games final season whereas capturing 35.6% from three-point vary, offering further depth alongside Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher.
Nonetheless, Murphy would characterize a unique degree of funding. Atlanta is coming off a 46-36 season that ended with a first-round playoff exit in opposition to the New York Knicks, shedding the sequence 4-2. The Hawks completed sixth within the Japanese Convention and wish to strengthen a roster that has developed round Johnson, who averaged 22.5 factors, 10.3 rebounds and seven.9 assists.
The No. 8 choose offers Atlanta a significant commerce asset. The choice initially belongs to New Orleans, and the Pelicans are evaluating whether or not a excessive lottery choose may also help speed up a rebuild after ending 26-56 and lacking the playoffs.
For New Orleans, shifting Murphy can be a significant choice. His manufacturing, age and long-term contract align with a possible rebuild timeline, however a package deal constructed round a top-10 choose might present the franchise with an opportunity so as to add a youthful core piece whereas creating extra flexibility.
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23-24, with Atlanta holding a number of first-round choices, together with No. 8 and No. 23. If discussions proceed, the No. 8 choose might turn into one of many central commerce chips of the offseason.
