Warriors expected to have busy NBA Draft night with multiple routes

With the NBA Draft just hours away, one name continues to hover around the Golden State Warriors more than any other: Trey Murphy III.

The New Orleans Pelicans forward has been connected to the Warriors for months, and a flurry of reports leading into draft night suggests those discussions remain very much alive.

According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Golden State and New Orleans have discussed trade concepts involving the Warriors’ No. 11 overall pick. The Pelicans are reportedly interested in moving into the lottery to target a specific prospect, with Tennessee forward Nate Ament among the names linked to New Orleans.

Scotto also reported that Golden State has explored a trade-down scenario with Charlotte that would send the No. 11 pick to the Hornets in exchange for picks No. 14 and No. 18.

ESPN’s Marc Spears added further fuel to the speculation, reporting that the Pelicans are actively exploring Murphy trade scenarios. Spears noted that any potential deal could depend heavily on which prospects remain available when Golden State goes on the clock.

“I think the thing is this: It probably will depend on who’s sitting there at 11 when that pick comes up,” Spears said on 95.7 The Game. “If the Warriors can get Trey Murphy, I’m all for trading that pick for Trey Murphy.”

The 26-year-old wing has become one of the league’s most sought-after trade targets after a breakout season in which he averaged a career-high 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting 47 percent from the field and nearly 38 percent from three-point range.

Murphy’s combination of size, shooting and defensive versatility makes him an ideal fit for a Warriors team attempting to maximize what remains of the championship window around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

However, completing a deal may be easier said than done.

The Warriors are far from the only team interested. Reports indicate the Pistons, Hawks, Spurs, Trail Blazers, Lakers, Pacers, Clippers, Nets and Celtics have all been linked to Murphy at various points. The growing market could quickly drive up New Orleans’ asking price.

There are also conflicting reports regarding how the Warriors view their chances.

While trade discussions have reportedly gained momentum, The Athletic’s Sam Amick recently suggested Golden State does not consider itself among the frontrunners in the Murphy sweepstakes, with Brooklyn and the Clippers viewed as stronger contenders.

At the same time, the Warriors appear comfortable keeping the pick if a trade fails to materialize.

General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. recently praised the strength of the draft class and expressed confidence that Golden State can find an immediate contributor at No. 11.

ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo reported that the Warriors are prioritizing prospects capable of helping right away, with names such as Aday Mara, Yaxel Lendeborg, Brayden Burries and Karim Lopez all receiving consideration.

Whether Golden State ultimately selects a prospect, trades down, or packages the pick in pursuit of Murphy remains one of the biggest questions entering draft night.

What appears clear is that the Warriors are exploring every possible avenue to improve a roster that still believes it can contend while Curry remains at the center of the franchise. Anyway it it goes down, it is clear that the Warriors must thread the needle to ensure it happens.