A recent report by the Star-Ledger’s Colin Stephenson quotes “someone with knowledge of the situation” as saying that Troy Murphy will “probably” be traded by the Nets at some point this season.
Murphy, expected to start at power forward while rookie Derrick Favors learned the ropes at the professional ranks, has gotten off to a disappointing start in his Nets career. The Sparta, N.J.-native has played in just five of the team’s 12 games this season while struggling with back and foot injuries, averaging 4.4 points and 5.2 rebounds in 20 minutes per game.
The news that Murphy could be traded shouldn’t come as a shock to Nets fans, but the timing of the report is a little surprising. Murphy expiring $11.9 million dollar contract, part of the reason the Nets acquired him in a four-team deal this offseason that sent former Net Courtney Lee to Houston, will be a valuable asset on the trade market for teams looking to gain cap space for the 2011 offseason. That, teamed with the recent play of Kris Humphries and the prospects for Favors, all work toward making Murphy expendable.
Murphy was supposed to give New Jersey a veteran presence and another option to stretch opposing defenses with his outside shooting. His inability even stay healthy so far could expedite his exit from his home state.
You can read more about the rumors involving Murphy in Stephenson’s report.