The New Orleans Pelicans enter the 2025-26 NBA season looking to put last year’s struggles behind them as they have their sights set on returning to the playoffs this season.
Of course, the Pelicans finished with the second-worst record in the Western Conference last season as almost every player on their roster missed time due to injuries.
Now with their team relatively healthy entering the new season, they will try to make a run at a playoff spot in the West behind their core led by Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones.
New Orleans also made some key additions to their roster this offseason as they selected Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen in the first round of the NBA draft and signed Kevon Looney in free agency.
The also acquired Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey from the Washington Wizards in the CJ McCollum trade.
By making these moves, the Pelicans are looking to rebound after their disappointing season last year as they try to contend for a playoff spot in the loaded West this season.
Warriors May Target Trey Murphy III
While the Pelicans will try to fight for a playoff spot this season, if they start off the season slow, they may elect to make major changes to their roster.
One player who has continued to be in trade rumors is Murphy III and it has been reported that New Orleans has a high asking price for the rising star.
Despite this, teams around the league may still target the 25-year-old forward this season and one team that has been linked to him is the Golden State Warriors.
Mock Trade Swaps Murphy III for Kuminga, Moody
In a potential trade, the Pelicans could send Murphy III and Looney to the Warriors in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and draft capital.
While moving Murphy III would be a tough decision for the Pelicans to make as he is coming off the best season of his career, swapping him and Looney for two young players in Kuminga and Moody could work out well for New Orleans.
For Kuminga, he has shown flashes in the past of being a potential star in the right situation and that could end up being the case in New Orleans.
Of course, the young forward would likely have a much larger role with the Pelicans than he would with the Warriors this season, which could allow him to continue to develop as a player.
Last season, the 23-year-old forward averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 45.4% from the field and 30.5% from three.
Kuminga is a solid scorer, rebounder and defender who would give the Pelicans another young player to build around if they decide to make major changes to their roster this season.
For Moody, he would also give New Orleans another key young player to build around while providing them with another reliable scoring guard.
Last season, the 23-year-old guard averaged 9.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 43.3% from the field and 37.4% from three.
While trading Murphy III would likely be a tough decision for the Pelicans to make, adding both Kuminga and Moody, along with draft capital, in return could help them later down the road if they decide to begin a rebuild.