Boston Celtics
Murphy would be a strong fit for a Celtics team that has based plenty of its offensive approach around 3-point shooting over the last few years.
Trey Murphy III could be an appealing target for the Celtics. AP Photo/Gerald Leong
The Celtics have been linked to Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo throughout this offseason as Brad Steven leaves no stone unturned in hopes of bolstering Boston’s roster.
But, if the Celtics come up short in the sweepstakes for the two-time NBA MVP, could they pivot to another intriguing talent?
Boston — which has also been linked to Minnesota center Rudy Gobert — is reportedly also in the mix for Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III, especially if another team in the East, like the Miami Heat, is the ones who reel in Antetokounmpo.
“Then again, the Celtics’ desperation level isn’t at the level of the Heat’s. Boston could forge ahead with the [Jaylen] Brown [and] Jayson Tatum dynamic duo and look for other ways to upgrade the frontcourt,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick wrote on Friday. “To that end, league sources say the Celtics are among the many teams with interest in the New Orleans Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III (if they don’t land Antetokounmpo).”
Murphy may not have the same name recognition or credentials as Antetokounmpo, but the 25-year-old wing has been one of the more underrated players in the league as of late.
Trey Murphy III appreciation post:
Crazy athleticism while shooting 50% from the field, nearly 40% from three, and close to 90% from the free-throw line.
He deserves serious All-Star consideration
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 15, 2026
Murphy averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists last season in New Orleans — earning high marks for his defensive versatility as a 6-foot-9, athletic wing to go along with strong shooting marks from 3-point range.
Murphy has a career shooting percentage of 38.2 across five seasons in the NBA, with the former Virginia standout averaging 8.6 3-point attempts per game in 2025-26.
Murphy’s shooting touch would seemingly make him a strong fit for a 3-heavy team coached by Joe Mazzulla in Boston, with Murphy also signed for another three seasons — and set to make $27 million in 2026-27.
Amick is not the first one to link Murphy to the Celtics, as Bill Simmons tabbed Boston as a possible fit late last month.
“We assume he’s probably going to get traded over the next three weeks,” Simmons said on his podcast. “I think Boston is a possibility. We thought whoever lost this matchup [between the Spurs and Thunder was] a possibility. You have 2-3 weeks to trade for someone like that.”
Unlike Antetokounmpo, who would likely only become a viable option for Boston if they dealt away Jaylen Brown, Murphy could be plucked from New Orleans as part of a package involving multiple first-round picks or outright pick swaps, along with players like Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and others.
Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.
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