NBA Trade Rumors on Trey Murphy III and Michael Porter Jr.'s Value by Pelicans, Nets

It reportedly would cost multiple first-round picks to acquire either the New Orleans Pelicans' Trey Murphy III or Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

NBC Sports' Dalton Johnson reported Wednesday that one NBA source projects the Pelicans' asking price for Murphy at three first-round picks.

The Nets could meanwhile ask for two first-rounders in exchange for Porter, the source told Johnson.

The Pelicans (8-30) and Nets (11-22) are heading into Feb. 5 deadline as likely sellers after ranking among the bottom five teams in NBA so far this season.

Porter, 27, is playing under a $38.3 million cap hit this season. He has one year and $40.8 million left on his deal before he is set to hit unrestricted free agency in 2027, according to Spotrac.

He is averaging career highs in every major offensive category with 25.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game as he joins Cam Thomas as a primary ball-handler for the Nets.

NBA insider Jake Fischer previously reported the Golden State Warriors are interested in pursuing Porter, although ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel has noted the Nets seemingly have no interest in taking on Jonathan Kuminga's contract in exchange.

Murphy is playing in the first season of his four-year, $112 million deal with the Nets, per Spotrac.

He is also averaging career highs with 21.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game for a Pelicans team that has often been missing starters so far this season.

ESPN's Zach Kram recently floated the Detroit Pistons as a potential fit for Porter.

The Pistons have made a surprising run to the top of the Eastern Conference so far this season. They also have space below the first apron and own their own first-round picks from 2026 to 2032, per ESPN's Bobby Marks, potentially making them a good fit to make a strong offer to the Nets.

Whichever teams ultimately make a bid for either player will likely need to both be in the playoff picture and have first-round picks available to move by the time the trade window closes on Feb. 5.