The Cleveland Cavaliers need to make some moves this offseason.
Unfortunately, given their financial situation and the constraints of the salary cap, they might not have a lot of money available to do so.
They will have to think of creative ways to build around the edges and find some talent in trades.
With that in mind, NBA analyst Mike Lucas said the Cavs should go the extra mile to get Trey Murphy III, as the New Orleans Pelicans reportedly will be open to trading anybody on their roster.
“If the reports are true that no one on NOLA is ‘untouchable’ this summer, Trey Murphy III is my #1, no-doubt-about-it, target for the Cavs. Would have to pay a king’s ransom & think he’s worth it & then some,” Lucas wrote on X.
told this to @EarldaPearl216 & @Spencito_ on the radio yesterday.
If the reports are true that no one on NOLA is "untouchable" this summer, Trey Murphy III is my #1, no-doubt-about-it, target for the #Cavs.
Would have to pay a king's ransom & think he's worth it & then some. https://t.co/ocdoKqbVu8
— Mikey McNuggets (@MikeLucasTV) June 1, 2025
Though he’s not a star, Murphy does fit the bill for everything the Cavs need.
He’s an athletic player who can guard both forward spots and hold his own against some big men.
He can knock down shots from beyond the arc, so he wouldn’t be an offensive liability in small-ball sets, and he’s also a great slasher.
More than that, he’s tough as nails and very physical, and Cavs executive Koby Altman has already highlighted the importance of adding more mental toughness to the mix.
If the Cavs want to keep doubling down on their core four, they won’t be able to make big splashes.
Murphy can coexist with the current group either by starting or coming off the bench.
Depending on the price, he’s the kind of versatile 3-and-D player the Cavs should target this offseason.
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