Porter Jr, Trey Murphy III Worth Multiple First Round Picks

Merlin sees a high price tag on midseason wing help. Reports say the Pelicans could ask around three first-round picks for Trey Murphy III and the Nets might demand two firsts for Michael Porter Jr. Both are posting career-best numbers while their teams sit near the bottom, so contenders would need real draft capital to make a move. Merlin senses only buyers with playoff hopes and ready assets will step up. Porter’s big salary and 2027 free agency make matching packages tricky, while Murphy’s new long-term deal raises his ceiling and cost. Expect heavy whispers and careful scouting, then one decisive offer if a contender thinks a scorer will push them deeper.