The Golden State Warriors have indicated that they will keep their 2026 first-round pick unless an ideal trade falls into their lap.
The Pelicans might give them the gift they are waiting for.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported that Trey Murphy III could be more attainable this offseason and that the Pelicans are hoping to get a 2026 first-round pick after trading one last year.
The ideal money-matching contract for the Warriors is Draymond Green’s, but if Green doesn’t opt in to his contract until the June 29 deadline, it will be complicated for Golden State to include the 2026 No. 11 pick, which will be made on June 23.
Essentially, the Warriors will have know who the Pelicans want with the 11th pick, make the pick for them, wait for Green to opt in and then trade Green and the pick to the Pelicans.
If Green chooses to not opt in, the deal is off, and the Warriors are stuck with whoever the Pels wanted.
It’s risky, but it would most likely work out as intended. If Green opts out, he won’t make anywhere near the $27.7 million he’d make if he opts in.
The Trade
Warriors get: Trey Murphy III
Pelicans get: Draymond Green, 2026 No. 11 pick, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick swap
Why the Warriors Do It
Murphy continues to be the most ideal trade target connected to the Warriors. He’s just 26 years old and under contract for three more seasons at a bargain rate of $27 million in 2026-27, $29 million in 2027-28 and $31 million in 2028-29.
He plays the Warriors’ biggest position of need (big wing), and he’s a three-level scorer who can take some pressure off Stephen Curry.
The big question is how much draft capital is too much for him?
On the one hand, the 6’8″ small forward is already a fringe star after averaging 21.4 points over the last two seasons.
On the other hand, he’s yet to have a star-level impact. He had a plus-3.3 net rating this past season, per Cleaning the Glass. That’s nothing to scoff at, but it doesn’t scream that he’s worth two first-round picks and one first-round swap.
The Warriors would be betting that he’d have more impact with Curry and Jimmy Butler (when healthy).