The 2023 NBA offseason has been marked by a flurry of rookie contract extensions, as teams work to secure their young talent for the long term. In the latest developments, the New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to a lucrative deal with forward Trey Murphy III, while the Golden State Warriors have signed role player Moses Moody to a new contract.
Pelicans Ink Trey Murphy to $112 Million Extension
The Pelicans have made a significant investment in their future, signing Trey Murphy III to a four-year, $112 million contract extension. Murphy’s agents, CAA’s Austin Brown and Ty Sullivan, confirmed the deal to The Stein Line’s Marc Stein on Monday.
At just 24 years old, Murphy has emerged as a crucial piece of the Pelicans’ core. After a slow start last season while recovering from a knee injury, the 6-foot-8 forward thrived in the final 24 games, averaging 18.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on an impressive 66.1% true shooting.
Murphy’s combination of size, shooting ability, and defensive versatility make him a valuable commodity in today’s NBA. His ability to knock down 3-pointers at a high volume and efficiency (41.7% on 8.8 attempts per game in that 24-game stretch) is particularly enticing.
The Pelicans’ decision to extend Murphy underscores their commitment to building around their young core, which includes All-Star Zion Williamson and rising star Brandon Ingram. With the team’s recent acquisition of Dejounte Murray, the path to contention in the Western Conference appears clearer than ever.
Warriors Lock Up Moses Moody
Across the league, the Golden State Warriors have also been active in securing their young talent. On Sunday, the team agreed to a three-year, $39 million extension with wing Moses Moody, his agent told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Moody, the 14th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has carved out a role as a reliable rotation player for the Warriors. Last season, he averaged 6.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 16.0 minutes per game, showcasing his defensive versatility and 3-point shooting ability.
The extension solidifies Moody’s place in the Warriors’ future plans, as the franchise looks to maintain its championship core while integrating younger talent. Alongside promising youngsters like Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman, Moody represents the next generation of Warriors players aiming to sustain the team’s dynasty.
Rookie Extension Trends
This offseason has seen a significant number of rookie-scale extensions, with several high-profile players inking new deals. Prior to the Murphy and Moody contracts, Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Cade Cunningham (Pistons), Evan Mobley (Cavaliers), and Franz Wagner (Magic) all signed max rookie extensions.
The trend of teams locking up their young stars reflects the increasing value placed on talented, cost-controlled players in the NBA. As the salary cap continues to rise, teams are prioritizing retaining their homegrown talent to build sustainable contenders.
With the rookie extension deadline looming on Monday, more deals are expected to be announced in the coming days. Players such as Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green (Rockets), Jalen Suggs (Magic), Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors), and Jalen Johnson (Hawks) are among those still awaiting potential extensions.
As the NBA landscape evolves, the ability to retain and develop young stars will be a crucial factor in determining the league’s next champions. The Pelicans and Warriors have taken significant steps in that direction by securing their core pieces for the long term.