The Golden State Warriors have held talks with the New Orleans Pelicans about acquiring forward Trey Murphy III in a package centered on the No. 11 selection in tonight’s NBA Draft, according to league sources cited by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
New Orleans is reportedly intent on moving into the lottery to secure a specific prospect, with Tennessee forward Nate Ament mentioned as a possible target.
Golden State is one of at least eight franchises that contacted the Pelicans about Murphy before February’s trade deadline, raising expectations that the 23-year-old’s market value will be steep.
Alternative deal with Charlotte
The Warriors have also discussed sending the No. 11 pick to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for the Nos. 14 and 18 selections, sources told Scotto. Charlotte’s interest hinges on whether its preferred player is still on the board; the team hopes to leapfrog the Oklahoma City Thunder, who hold the No. 12 pick.
ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel identified Michigan forward Morez Johnson as the Hornets’ likely target, noting that both Charlotte and Oklahoma City have serious interest in him.
Siegel added that Golden State remains intrigued by Murphy but is unwilling to meet New Orleans’ asking price if it feels the cost is excessive.
Draft ripple effects
Siegel also reported that Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg is expected to slide out of the lottery if the Warriors pass on him at No. 11. Should that occur, several clubs are expected to approach the Chicago Bulls (No. 15), Memphis Grizzlies (No. 16), or Thunder (No. 17) in pursuit of a trade.
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled to begin tonight.
Source: HoopsRumors
