Cade Cunningham’s Pistons eye Trey Murphy III to bolster wing rotation

Cade Cunningham’s Detroit Pistons are zeroing in on New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III in trade talks this offseason. The Pistons cleared cap space and roster spots by moving Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart, opening a path for Murphy, a 26-year-old wing averaging 22 points per game.

What’s the Pistons’ plan?

The Pistons are hunting for a co-star to play alongside Cade Cunningham after a breakout season. Murphy’s four-year, $112 million extension runs through 2028-29, fitting Detroit’s budget even with Jalen Duren’s looming extension. Detroit has a deep pool of future first-round picks to sweeten any offer, though the Pelicans still want a haul: three first-rounders plus young players like Duncan Robinson or Carris LeVert.

Why Murphy fits with Cunningham

At 6-foot-8, Murphy is a high-volume scorer who spaces the floor and can shoulder some offensive load. Detroit’s front office sees him as a long-term upgrade over Harris, a veteran who signed a two-year, $31 million deal with San Antonio. Murphy’s scoring jump over the past two seasons makes him a plug-and-play fit next to Cunningham, who orchestrated Detroit’s offense.

How the trade talks shifted

The asking price for Murphy has softened from four first-round picks to three, according to league sources. That drop could make Detroit more aggressive after Harris exited. The Pelicans remain open to moving Murphy but won’t take a fire-sale return. The Pistons’ front office is now weighing whether Murphy’s upside outweighs the cost in picks and young talent.

What comes next

Murphy isn’t a lock to land in Detroit. The Pelicans could pivot to another suitor if the Pistons balk at the price. But with cap space cleared and a clear need on the wing, Detroit is one of the few teams still in play. The next two weeks could decide whether Murphy joins Cunningham in the Motor City lineup.