Key Role Players Back on the NBA Rumor Mill: Trey Murphy & Michael Porter Jr. Trade Speculation for Summer 2026
Just three weeks after the February 5, 2026 trade deadline, the NBA rumor mill is already shifting focus to the summer window — and two familiar role-player names are popping up again: Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans and Michael Porter Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets. Both players generated significant interest before the deadline, yet stayed with their current teams. Now, with more time, clearer cap pictures, and additional draft capital available, executives around the league are expected to renew their pursuit.
According to a February 25, 2026 report from Heavy Sports, these two wings are among the key role players already back on the radar for potential summer moves. Here’s a full breakdown of the latest buzz.
Trey Murphy III, Pelicans: Lakers & Warriors Still Chasing
Rumors that a wide variety of teams — especially the Lakers and Warriors — were hot on the trail of Murphy sprung up repeatedly over the winter. The Pelicans decided not to aggressively sell at the trade deadline, and Murphy stayed put in New Orleans. But around the NBA, the expectation is that teams will keep pushing for a deal. The hope is that New Orleans will be more willing to actually make a move this summer.
Murphy, a 6'8" versatile wing, is averaging strong numbers this season despite the Pelicans’ struggles. His combination of size, shooting, and defense makes him an attractive target for contenders looking to add wing depth without breaking the bank long-term.
Rumored Suitors for Trey Murphy
- Lakers: Expected to make another run at him this summer after missing out at the deadline.
- Warriors: Showed serious interest pre-deadline with packages involving Jonathan Kuminga and picks; likely to re-engage.
- Other teams: Multiple reports mentioned broad league-wide interest, including potential dark-horse contenders.
The Pelicans’ reluctance to sell in February may change once they fully assess their 2025-26 season and future draft assets.
Michael Porter Jr., Nets: Slump & Knee Injury Could Lower Summer Price
The Nets held onto Porter in hopes that they’d get a better deal for him in the summer, and that could yet be the case — except that he has been slumping lately and playing through a knee injury. He is averaging 19.0 points on 40.5% shooting and 18.2% 3-point shooting in February. “I think you kind of know what he is at this point in his career,” one Western Conference executive said. “He is not going to tank his value by playing badly now. But he can hurt his value if he has a bad second half.”
Porter remains a high-upside shooter with championship experience from his Nuggets days, but the recent dip and injury concerns could make him more attainable for teams looking for scoring wings at a discount.
Potential Impact & Summer Trade Outlook
Both players represent high-floor, low-risk additions for contending teams or rebuilding squads needing immediate wing help. A Murphy move could bring the Pelicans a haul of picks and young talent, while the Nets could still flip Porter for assets if his play stabilizes.
| Player | Current Team | Key Concern / Strength | Likely Summer Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trey Murphy III | Pelicans | Pelicans may finally sell | Multi-team deal with Lakers/Warriors |
| Michael Porter Jr. | Nets | February slump + knee injury | Possible sign-and-trade or straight deal |
These rumors fit perfectly into the broader 2026 offseason narrative of contenders reloading and rebuilding teams cashing in on assets. For your international audience, stories like these highlight how role players can swing title windows — much like key imports or draft steals in the PBA that suddenly change a franchise’s trajectory.
Add your sidebar poll gadget (“Which role player should be traded first this summer: Murphy or Porter Jr.?”) and cross-post to Facebook with the caption above. End the post with: “Filipino fans know how one smart role-player move can spark a championship run — drop your thoughts below!”
The summer trade market is already taking shape, and Murphy and Porter Jr. are front and center.
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