Report: If Giannis Antetokounmpo deal falls apart, Celtics could have a backup plan in Trey Murphy III

Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens threw Boston’s hat in the ring amid this offseason’s Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes. But Stevens could already be cooking up a backup plan in case his pursuit of the Greek Freak topples over.

The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported Friday morning that Boston could shift its interest from Antetokounmpo to Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III following the 26-year-old’s breakout season with New Orleans.

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Murphy averaged 21.5 points through 66 games logged with the Pelicans last season, while setting career-highs with 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and a 47 percent shooting clip from the field. Still, while Murphy stands out as an intriguing fit for the Celtics, the interest he’s generating from Stevens and company remains predicated solely on how Giannis’ market plays out.

Jan 31, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) dribbles against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

For the past week, Boston has led the race alongside the Heat as the primary frontrunners, according to the league’s rumor mill, while the Bucks desperately seek a way to sever ties with Antetokounmpo once and for all. So far, it’s been a lot of hearsay more than anything else, with the expectation that Giannis becomes the first major domino to fall this offseason.

Stevens, during his end-of-the-season press conference less than a week after Boston’s first-round playoff elimination, insinuated changes were on the horizon. He highlighted rim protection, prioritized easy looks at the rim, and acknowledged the increased difficulty of winning a championship with teams rapidly improving and fewer organizations tanking with intention, unlike this past year.

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Murphy, as a target, checks a lot of boxes for the Celtics and their scheme to remain contenders in the Eastern Conference.

For starters, landing Murphy — unlike Giannis — could help Boston keep the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown duo intact. Murphy is…

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Publish date : 2026-06-19 16:41:00

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