Throughout the 2026 offseason, the Indiana Pacers were repeatedly linked to one of the league's most enticing rising stars: New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III.
While the summer rumor mill ultimately cooled without a blockbuster deal coming to fruition, the underlying logic behind Indiana’s interest has not dissipated.
Murphy—a close friend of Pacers franchise floor general Tyrese Haliburton—fits Indiana’s competitive timeline. At just 26 years old, Murphy is entering his athletic prime while operating as an elite, high-volume two-way wing.
While Pacers fans shouldn't expect President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard to execute a massive late-summer trade, Indiana stands as a prime buyer to watch as the trade deadline approaches next winter. If the Pacers establish themselves as top-tier Eastern Conference contenders at the midseason mark, Pritchard could aggressively pull the trigger to bring Murphy to Indy.
The On-Court Chemistry: Why Murphy Fits Indiana’s Blueprint
From a tactical standpoint, Murphy represents a seamless fit alongside Haliburton's uptempo, high-IQ offensive engine.
Coming off a career-best 2025–26 campaign in New Orleans, Murphy proved he is far more than just a spot-up threat. He logged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting a efficient 47% from the field and 37.9% from three-point distance.
At 6-foot-8, Murphy provides the exact perimeter length, point-of-attack defensive versatility, and transition finishing that head coach Rick Carlisle’s system demands. Pairing his perimeter shooting alongside Haliburton would give Indiana a young, high-scoring wing tandem for the next half-decade.
The Trade Chip Strategy: Utilizing Kelly Oubre Jr.
To pull off a midseason blockbuster, Indiana possesses a tailored trade asset in newly acquired veteran wing Kelly Oubre Jr.
Similar to how Indiana utilized Bruce Brown’s contract to land Pascal Siakam, the Pacers signed Oubre to a two-year, $17 million contract this summer. While Oubre can immediately fill a key two-way role off the bench, his $8.5 million annual salary scale acts as human salary ballast in a major trade.
If New Orleans decides to re-tool at the deadline, a package featuring Kelly Oubre Jr., Obi Toppin, Ben Sheppard, and draft capital gives the Pelicans immediate salary relief, young rotational assets, and draft picks—while matching Murphy’s $27 million cap hit.
The Executive Verdict
Indiana sits within striking distance of contending for its first NBA championship. While Oubre could end up fitting seamlessly in Carlisle's winter rotation, Kevin Pritchard has never shied away from making bold, unexpected midseason moves. If the Pelicans show a willingness to negotiate at the deadline, bringing Trey Murphy III to the Circle City could serve as the final piece of Indiana’s championship puzzle.
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