Bryson Graham, the Chicago Bulls' new executive vice president of basketball operations, drafted Trey Murphy III during his time in New Orleans. That connection should make a trade for Murphy — who the Pelicans have officially made available — a natural next step for this Bulls front office.
Graham owns an impressive resume from his time in charge of the draft in NOLA, but Murphy may be the best example of his keen eye as a scout ... though don't overlook his role in one of the most lopsided draft trades in league history.
The 39-year-old is an established, elite talent evaluator; it's time to glimpse his skills as a negotiator now that he's the lead decision-maker in Chicago.
The New Orleans Pelicans have finally made Trey Murphy III available
After taking over the Bulls following one year as the senior VP of basketball operations in Atlanta, Graham has his chance to reunite with perhaps his best draft pick in Murphy.
According to insider Marc Stein via The Stein Line (subscription required), Pelicans head of basketball operations Joe Dumars is "truly willing to field offers" for Murphy for the first time.
But an executive for one of the teams interested in acquiring Murphy told Stein of the Pelicans: "They want a lot."
"A lot" probably involves a package built around multiple first-round picks, which is no chump change. But the Bulls have some change to spare and a spot on their roster for a foundational 3-and-D forward.
Over the last two seasons, Murphy has averaged 21.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting 37.1 percent from 3-point range on 8.4 attempts per game and playing above-average defense.
He's also just 25 years old and making slightly more than Josh Giddey over the next three seasons. He wouldn't qualify as a "win-now" acquisition; Murphy could be one of Chicago's most crucial players for the next half-decade.
Graham's NBA draft resume should excite Bulls fans
In addition to selecting Murphy at No. 17 in 2021, Graham landed Dyson Daniels (No. 8 in 2022) and Nickel Alexander-Walker (No. 17 in 2019) — winners of the last two Most Improved Player Awards.
Herb Jones was the 35th pick in 2021 and was named First Team All-Defense three years later. Jose Alvarado, whom Graham brought aboard as an undrafted free agent that same summer, just helped the New York Knicks complete the largest comeback in NBA Finals history.
And as second-in-command of the Hawks' front office, he fleeced his old team into giving up an unprotected first-round pick in this year's draft (now No. 8) to move up for Derik Queen.
Graham's draft resume already sparkles. Bringing Murphy to the Bulls would be a massive step in creating his legacy in the Windy City.
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