Bill Simmons offers an intriguing trade of Trey Murphy to Boston

As it is The Boston Celtics (8–7) advance in the 2025–26 NBA season on a three-game winning streak, longtime analyst Bill Simmons floated a trade idea centered around the New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III. The proposal, outlined in the latest episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, would send a significant package drafte and more players to New Orleans in exchange for the 25-year-old wing.

Simmons laid out the framework during the episode.

“That’s why with the Celtics, if only Simmons expires and you can have a ’26. We’ll give you the worst part of our trade with San Antonio in ’28. We’ll give you an unprotected ’31. We’ll give you Hugo as much as I love him. Doesn’t New Orleans have to have a date?”

Simmons suggested Boston should explore acquiring Murphy by including running back Anfernee Simmons — whose contract expires after the season — along with multiple first-round picks and trades. The proposal also included Hugo Gonzalez, the Celtics’ 2025 first-round pick, as part of the outgoing package.

The potential return reflects Murphy’s rising value around the league. The fourth-year forward has a team contract worth $25 million per year and is considered one of the Pelicans’ most promising two-way players. His production has continued to rise early in the season, making him a likely target for teams looking for scoring and perimeter versatility.

Bill Simmons’ Celtics offer underscores Pelicans’ dilemma over Trey Murphy’s future

Murphy averaged 19.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game in 15 contests. He is shooting 46.8% from the field, 38.1% from three and 94.3% from the free throw line while logging 35.6 minutes per outing. His most recent output — a 23-point, five-steal performance in a 125–118 loss to the Denver Nuggets — further enhanced his value to New Orleans.

The Pelicans may still need to weigh their long-term options. The franchise has already parted ways with its upcoming first-round pick in a overnight trade with the Atlanta Hawks for the 13th pick Derrick Quinngiving additional importance to the future capital draft. Simmons’ hypothetical offer, which includes a mix of far-flung unprotected picks and trade flexibility, would position New Orleans to fill assets if it decides to rework its roster.

However, the Pelicans remain in the early stages of a difficult season. New Orleans has dropped seven straight and is 2-13 heading into Friday’s NBA Cup matchup against the Dallas Mavericks (4-12). Despite Murphy’s strong individual production, the team struggled to find consistency on both ends of the floor.

Boston, meanwhile, is trending upward after a 113–99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night. The Celtics will meet the Nets (2–12) again as part of their NBA Cup schedule on Friday at 7:30 PM ET. With the team playing well and climbing back above .500, discussions surrounding potential roster upgrades will likely continue as the season progresses.

For now, Murphy remains in New Orleans, but Simmons’ proposal has fueled talk of whether the Pelicans will eventually explore offers for one of their most productive young players — and whether Boston could position itself as a serious suitor.