The Indiana Pacers have slipped into the Trey Murphy III conversation as the NBA's summer market heats up, quietly positioning themselves as potential bidders for the New Orleans forward. League chatter says the Pelicans are not actively shopping Murphy, but the asking price is steep, a reality that has Pacers fans and team decision-makers debating whether the cost in rotation players and long-term picks matches the upside of a high-usage wing.
What The Pacers Could Offer
According to The Indianapolis Star, one potential package Indiana could float includes Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin and multiple future first-round picks in 2027, 2031 and 2033. That proposed structure underlines how light the Pacers are on tradable draft capital and how willing they may be to use current rotation contributors if it means landing a more dynamic wing scorer.
Pelicans Want A Lot, Sources Say
Sports Illustrated reports that NBA insider Marc Stein has described New Orleans as open to listening on Murphy under its new front office structure, but with one clear caveat: "they want a lot." That six-word warning has echoed through league rumor mills, nudging suitors toward substantial offers instead of bargain hunting.
Murphy's Fit And Price Tag
Murphy averaged a career-high roughly 21.5 points this season and knocked down 214 three-pointers while shooting about 38% from deep, per Basketball-Reference. He added about 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game, production that helps explain why New Orleans can afford to be demanding. He is also under contract with a cap hit near $27 million next season, according to Spotrac, a number that would force Indiana to juggle its books but not blow them up.
What It Would Mean For The Pacers
Pacers beat writer Dustin Dopirak has argued that Murphy would represent an upgrade on both ends of the floor compared with Aaron Nesmith, a sentiment that has popped up repeatedly in local analysis. As The Indianapolis Star notes, bringing him to Indiana would almost certainly mean sacrificing depth, roster flexibility and several of the future first-rounders that helped shape the current rotation in the first place.
Next Steps
For now, there is no agreement in place, just clear interest and plenty of speculation. League observers expect talks to stretch through the draft and into July's front-office meetups rather than erupt into an overnight blockbuster. RealGM and other outlets report that teams will keep sounding out New Orleans while the Pacers weigh how far they are willing to go in terms of rotation players and multiple first-rounders to land an established two-way wing.
