Thunder receive Trey Murphy III Herb Jones 3 first-round picks

Pelicans receive Chet Holmgren

Chet is incredible, but he’s: Injury-risk profile ( foot history). About to become very expensive. Redundant in some lineups if OKC leans into switch-heavy, wing-centric basketball

Trey Murphy is a 6’10 elite volume shooter Off-ball scorer who can can take the load off Chet and shai and Doesn’t need usage. He seamlessly fits on the thunder and is a proven playoff piece.

Herb Jones is One of the 5 best wing defenders in basketball he Guards 1–4, sometimes 5, has Zero ego, high IQ, playoff durability. All defensive first team guy that further bolsters OKCs impressive defense. Also acting as insurance if Jdub goes down.

OKC love their first round picks and they get 3 here from New Orleans that could wind up being very good.

On top of this Murphy and Jones are on two of the best contracts in the league.

Why This for New Orleans

Chet Solves Their Fundamental Problem. The Pelicans’ core issue isn’t wings or guards. it’s structural offense and rim gravity.

Chet gives them: A real future running mate that perfectly compliments Derik Queen. Weakside rim protection without parking a big in the dunker spot. A secondary shot creator from the 5.

Chet Fits Their Timeline perfectly. Chet is Young, Cost-controlled right now, Low-usage relative to impact, a stretch rim protector who doesn’t need touches.

New Orleans now builds around Holmgren, Fears and Queen.