The Atlanta Hawks have discussed a potential trade with the New Orleans Pelicans centered around the No. 8 overall pick for Trey Murphy III, according to Jake Madison.
The talks come as New Orleans becomes increasingly open to exploring Murphy’s market after initially not actively shopping the 25-year-old wing. Multiple contenders have reportedly shown interest, with the Pelicans expected to seek a significant return that includes draft capital, young talent and an immediate rotation piece.
Murphy has emerged as one of the NBA’s more valuable two-way wings. In the 2025-26 season, he averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 66 games while starting every contest. He shot 47.0% from the field, connected on 37.9% of his 8.6 three-point attempts per game and made 3.2 threes nightly.
His shooting profile and contract situation have made him an appealing target. Murphy signed a four-year, $112 million extension and is under team control for three more seasons, allowing a team acquiring him to add a prime-age scorer without the uncertainty of a short-term rental.
The Hawks’ interest follows a busy offseason in which Atlanta added Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder for two future second-round picks. Wiggins averaged 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 65 games last season while shooting 35.6% from three-point range, providing additional depth alongside Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher.
However, Murphy would represent a different level of investment. Atlanta is coming off a 46-36 season that ended with a first-round playoff exit against the New York Knicks, losing the series 4-2. The Hawks finished sixth in the Eastern Conference and are looking to strengthen a roster that has developed around Johnson, who averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists.
The No. 8 pick gives Atlanta a major trade asset. The selection originally belongs to New Orleans, and the Pelicans are evaluating whether a high lottery pick can help accelerate a rebuild after finishing 26-56 and missing the playoffs.
For New Orleans, moving Murphy would be a major decision. His production, age and long-term contract align with a potential rebuild timeline, but a package built around a top-10 pick could provide the franchise with a chance to add a younger core piece while creating more flexibility.
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23-24, with Atlanta holding multiple first-round selections, including No. 8 and No. 23. If discussions continue, the No. 8 pick could become one of the central trade chips of the offseason.
