The Pelicans are looking for a buyout in the Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones trade

The Detroit Pistons they go through the hardships that any young championship hopeful must survive to reach the NBA Finals. After years of rebuilding, the franchise finally developed a legitimate cornerstone in Cade Cunningham, assembled promising young talent and cultivated a winning culture under JB Bickerstaff. However, they need a few more upgrades to put away the Oklahoma City Thunder. Fortunately for Pistons president Traian Langdon, Zion Williamson’s hapless New Orleans Pelicans they are literally approaching the point of no return Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones.

Injuries, inconsistent play and a lack of depth have plagued the Pelicans for years, and now they’re in a rebuilding phase without the ammunition they need. Multiple reports indicate the front office is unwilling to make cuts to a sky-high asking price for Murphy III or Jones. For Williamson alone, a two-time All-Star whose trade value has plummeted due to health issues, New Orleans could only get one first-round pick in the current market. That is barely enough to trigger a significant reconstruction.

The pistons push the chips all-in

New Orleans can’t afford another losing season, and holding on to depreciating assets is no use playing for the basement tenant. Murphy III and Jones are exactly the type of two-way, scalable players every prospect wants. The question isn’t whether they’re worth the premiums, but which team is in a unique position to pay them. Detroit is that team and Joe Dumars needs to capitalize on any drop in value.

• Clips
  • Trey Murphy III
  • Herb Jones
  • Jose Alvarado
• Pelicans
  • Tobias Harris
  • Jade Ivey
  • Marcus Sasser
  • 4 first round picks (2026, 2028, 2030, 2032)
  • Option to trade 2027 first-round pick

Langdon’s knowledge of both players cannot be overstated. The Duke alum scouted them, drafted them and understands their character, work ethic and ceiling better than almost anyone in the league. More importantly, he acknowledges that championship periods are finite. Sometimes a franchise only gets one legitimate shot at contention (ask the Indiana Pacers), and hesitation can mean watching that opportunity slip away forever.

At first glance, the four of spades looks like a king’s ransom. However, the recent market provides a plan. Desmond Bain’s expansion draft was actually three picks in the first round. The Orlando Magic were the first to “pay” extra to get rid of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s long, cumbersome contract. In this scenario, the Pistons part with an extra pick plus a trade option to acquire a defensive cornerstone on the team’s long-term deal.

The beauty of this deal for Detroit lies in its flexibility. Both Murphy III and Jones are locked into long-term deals, meaning the Pistons could regain assets later by trading one or both if the experiment fails. They are not mortgaging their entire future. Langdon makes a calculated bet with built-in insurance. The return of future funds is built into the structure. Sitting uncomfortably in the first place, making a basketball-only holster for that move is pretty simple.

Jones brings elite perimeter defense, capable of locking down All-NBA-level centers while providing a steady three-point shot. Murphy III adds another dimension as a legitimate three-level scorer. Together, they are transforming the Pistons from an occasional contender to one that can truly challenge the Eastern Conference’s elite for years to come. Keeping Jose Alvarado away from the New York Knicks and leading the second unit is practically two wins in one.

The starting lineup of Cade Cunningham, Jones, Murphy III, Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren is balanced, shifty and modern. Jones anchors the defense at the point of attack, Murphy stretches the floor and punishes the shutdown, and Cunningham finally works with space and the secondary. Stewart and Duren provide physicality without clogging up the offense.

Cunningham would finally be working with two top wings that enhance his strengths instead of duplicating them. The bench wouldn’t suffer either. Duncan Robinson and Ausar Thompson bring energy, offensive firepower and defensive length. Jose Alvarado, Caris LeVert and Ronald Holland II step into familiar roles. Langdon would still have the combined salaries of LeVert and Paul Reed ($20+ million) to look for another contributor.

Pelicans need a solid pivot

For Joe Dumars, this trade provides desperately needed draft capital and financial flexibility. Marcus Sasser, who replaced Alvarado, comes in as a serviceable backup guard under a price-controlled contract for next season. Tobias Harris’ expiring contract comes off the books in a matter of months, creating immediate cap space.

Jaden Ivey, who will be a restricted free agent this summer, is the main returning player for the Crescent City. The 23-year-old represents a natural, cheaper replacement for the under-performing Jordan Poole, who is likely to be traded before next season regardless. New Orleans could benefit from a lengthy evaluation a window into Jaden Ivey’s explosivenessimproving playmaking and fitting in next to Derrick Quinn.

However, those four first-round picks (2026, 2028, 2030, 2032) plus trade rights in 2027 are the real prize. The move jump-starts the rebuild, giving New Orleans a clean cap and plenty of options. They could waive Williamson for additional relief if he doesn’t return to All-Star form, or build around him with new talent. Either way, the way forward is clearer than it has been in years.

The backfield configuration becomes more flexible overnight. The eventual return of Dejounte Murray gives New Orleans a stabilizing presence, while Sasser and Jeremiah Fears round out the point guard minutes. Ivey, Poole and Jordan Hawkins could operate off the ball. Going forward, the list remains functional while retaining the options. Zion Williamson, Sadiq Bey, Tobias Harris and Karlo Matkovic can absorb minutes at one frontcourt spot. Dereck Queen, Kevon Looney and Yves Missy lead the second.

It’s not a finished product, but it’s a workable bridge list that allows New Orleans to prioritize asset accumulation over short-term optics. Pelicans GM Troy Weaver drafted Ivey to the Motor City, so the ties go both ways in this deal. In a league where bold moves define dynasties, this trade has all the makings of a win.

The Pistons are on pace for a true perennial contender, while the Pelicans are finally getting the tools to properly reset. Everyone is reunited. As the trade deadline approaches, keep an eye on these links. They might just cause an NBA-shattering blockbuster.