With the Pelicans going nowhere but towards a top 3 pick, and there being an unlikely trade of Murray or Zion, moving Murphy for 2 FRPs (Holland was the #5 pick in 2024), with Alvarado, for Sasser and three solid SRPs, with LeVert, while saving $3.8M against the cap, is a legitimate return for a non All-Star. This also gives them future flexibility, as Nola rebuilds.

Detroit makes a significant upgrade on the wing with Murphy, who can impact both ends of the floor. He's not Lauri Markkanen, but he's also $21M cheaper, more athletic, and three years younger at just 25 years old, fitting the youth timeline. Alvarado would also be a PERFECT fit in Detroit with his tenacious defense as a backup PG. A rotation of Cade, Murphy, Ausar, Tobias and Duren, with Ivey, Beef Stew, Robinson, Alvarado and Reed off the bench, is legitimately 10 deep. The picks Detroit would give up would be more than worth it.