Mock Trade Sends Pistons' Ex-Lottery Pick to Pelicans for Trey Murphy III

A mock trade has the Milwaukee Bucks adding a former NBA champion from the Brooklyn Nets as they continue their rebuild in the post-Giannis Antetokounmpo era.

by Nathaniel Holloway

Sep 15, 2026

New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III

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It has been an interesting offseason thus far for the Detroit Pistons as they have tried to improve their roster even more after finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference last season.

So far, the Pistons have added John Collins via a sign-and-trade with the Los Angeles Clippers and acquired Isaiah Joe from the Oklahoma City Thunder to upgrade their roster around Cade Cunningham.

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham.

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Of course, Detroit did lose Isaiah Stewart in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies and Tobias Harris in free agency. The Pistons also have yet to re-sign restricted free agent Jalen Duren, as the two sides continue to disagree on the terms of a new deal, though he is expected to return to Detroit this upcoming season.

With the East expected to be even more competitive this season, the Pistons could look to make another splash via trade before the start of the new season. If they choose to do so, they could target New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III.

Mock Trade Has Pistons Acquiring Trey Murphy III From Pelicans

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In a potential trade, the Pistons could send a package of Ron Holland II, Duncan Robinson and multiple first-round picks to the Pelicans in exchange for Murphy III.

By making this trade, Detroit would add another emerging star alongside Cunningham and the rest of their core, as Murphy III could become a key piece in helping them compete for a title this upcoming season.

Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (00)

Of course, the Pistons would lose one of their key outside shooters in Robinson, though Joe could fill his role, and one of their key young players in Holland II, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft.

Despite this, adding Murphy III to their roster would give Detroit a key 3-and-D wing who could benefit from Cunningham’s playmaking on the offensive end while giving the Pistons another key wing defender.

Last season, the 26-year-old forward averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 47.0% from the field and 37.9% from three.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25)

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While Murphy III could be a solid addition to Detroit’s roster, he has struggled with injuries over his five-year career as he has played in more than 70 games just once over that span, which may cause the Pistons to look elsewhere.

The Pelicans may also want more in return for their young forward, as they have had a high asking price for him over the past few seasons, which may cause the Pistons to look at other options to bolster their roster.