The Warriors have revealed another new target! They are interested in the Pelicans' $112 million forward, whom they considered drafting four years ago.

On August 23rd Beijing time, according to renowned reporter Jake Fischer, both the Warriors and Spurs are interested in the Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III.

“Sources indicate that the Warriors hold a strong interest in Murphy III and have already contacted the Pelicans this summer,” Fischer reported. “However, sources also made it clear that the Pelicans have repeatedly declined inquiries about the 25-year-old player, valuing him highly. This versatile forward is under contract for the 2025-26 season with a salary of exactly $25 million, reflecting his talent level. Additionally, the Spurs have been identified as another team expressing trade interest in Murphy III.”

Previously, Murphy III signed a four-year, $112 million extension with the Pelicans, and he proved the worth of that investment last season—his scoring average jumped from 14.8 points (with a 44.3% shooting percentage) to 21.2 points per game (with a 45.4% shooting percentage). Selected 17th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, Murphy III has improved defensively and shot 36.1% from three-point range; this combination of offense, defense, and outside shooting fits the types of players both the Warriors and Spurs need on their rosters.

Reports say that during the 2021 NBA Draft, before selecting Moody at 14th, the Warriors seriously considered picking Murphy. Murphy was later chosen 17th by the Pelicans.

Furthermore, Fischer mentioned that Horford, Melton, and Payton II have been patiently waiting for the Warriors to sign them this summer, understanding that the team had to delay their contracts due to handling Kuminga's situation.

“Melton and Payton II are expected to sign minimum salary deals. A team that spoke with me this week and still has an available roster spot is hopeful that Horford might lose patience while waiting and start considering offers from other teams, but I believe that is unlikely. In fact, this team shares my pessimism about Horford losing patience, as he is expected to receive the Warriors’ mini mid-level exception (around $5.7 million), possibly including a player option for the 2026-27 season.”