This trade is a part of the Surge Imperialism Trade Challenge Round 7. The requirements here are that the Pelicans and Wizards be involved.

NOTE: The Pelicans likely buy out Khris Middleton shortly after this trade.

While the Pelicans and Wizards are the worst teams in their respective conferences, the two teams have vastly different futures. The Pelicans need to be blowing this iteration of the team up, while the Wizards should be working to build a contender long-term around the young core of Sarr, Carrington, Coulibaly, etc. These two teams can certainly come to an agreement that benefits both of these goals.

Why the Wizards do this:

Washington is currently in desperate need of a guy who can put up a bunch of points on the wing while maintaining their defensive identity build by Sarr and Coulibaly. Khris Middleton was supposed to fill that role for a while, but he is showing his age and they should be looking for a long term solution. Trey Murphy fits the bill better than almost anyone in the league. Averaging 20 points and 1.7 steals, Murphy is a two-way star in New Orleans, and the Wizards should prioritize him at this year’s deadline. Jose Alvarado also provides the type of hustle that you want as an example on a young team, bolstering this trade package even more.

Why the Pelicans do this:

Trey Murphy is balling in New Orleans but his performance does not mean much right now. He is on a different timeline from the Pels’ building blocks (Queen, Missi, and Fears) and should be traded for more assets that are on that timeline. This is amazing value for Murphy — multiple first-round picks, a few second-round picks, and Cam Whitmore (who, as much as I still dislike him, has a chance at a MPJ-in-Brooklyn-esque breakout) is better than most packages on the market. Jose Alvarado does unfortunately leave in this package, but it is worth it for the level of return coming back in. The Pelicans also gain significant cap flexibility and relief with Middleton’s expiring contract, which is especially important for a small market team like New Orleans.

Why the Nets do this:

Saddiq Bey to Washington was required to make the money work, but since Bey was on the Wizards last year, it was illegal for him to return to Washington in this trade. The Nets get involved, trading a comparable player in Haywood Highsmith away for Bey, and receive a second round pick for their services.

What do you think of this trade? Who accepts, who passes, and why? Let me know your opinions in the comments and I am looking forward to discussing them with you all.