Warriors trade prediction would cut ties with Brandin Podziemski for $112 million forward

The Golden State Warriors need to make some significant moves this offseason to get back into title contention.

With future Hall of Fame guard Stephen Curry in the twilight years of his career, the Warriors owe it to him to build a roster capable of competing for a championship. Golden State missed the playoffs last year after posting a 37-45 record and losing in the play-in tournament versus the Phoenix Suns.

The Warriors have a plethora of needs that need to be addressed, including their wing play. That's why the team could look to trade for an ascending small forward from the New Orleans Pelicans who has been involved in trade rumors over the last few months.

Warriors linked to Trey Murphy III trade

In an article predicting NBA Draft Day trades, Sports Illustrated's Derek Parker predicts the Warriors will trade guards Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody and the No. 11 pick to the Pelicans for Trey Murphy III.

"The Warriors also have some solid young players that the Pelicans could look to should they want to move on from Murphy. It would certainly be a chip-in move from Golden State, but could be better than taking a prospect," Parker wrote.

New Orleans could be looking to offload some of their assets for more draft capital, and Murphy is a player the Pelicans are receiving a ton of trade interest on.

Murphy would be the perfect offseason addition for Golden State. The 26-year-old has averaged over 21 points per game in each of the last two seasons and is one of the better shooters in the sport.

Along with his efficient scoring and ability to stretch the floor, Murphy is a versatile defender who would pair well with Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler. Murphy could be inserted into the Warriors' starting lineup and flourish, but he would also be a high-level sixth man if Golden State wants to deploy him in that role.

Trading away their first round pick, Podziemski, and Moody for Murphy would be a hefty price, but one the Warriors should be willing to pay. Podziemski is a solid player, but he hasn't developed as much as Golden State would like. Moody is currently recovering from a ruptured left patellar tendon and won't return until later in the 2026 season.

Nevertheless, Murphy would be an immediate impact player for the Warriors, adding much-needed shooting and offensive production to Steve Kerr's squad.