The Boston Celtics might have to part with multiple first-round picks if they want to acquire Trey Murphy III.

According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the New Orleans Pelicans have established a significant asking price for Murphy in recent transaction cycles, making it clear that multiple first-round picks would need to be involved to “pique their interest” in trading the 26-year-old forward.

The No. 17 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Murphy averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals last season while shooting 47.0 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from 3-point range on 8.6 attempts per game.

Murphy is in the second season of his four-year, $112 million contract. He’s making $27 million this year, $29 million in 2027-28 and $31 million in 2028-29.

MORE: Celtics Make Key Contract Decision on Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman

Are The Celtics Trying To Trade For Trey Murphy III?

There are currently no reports that the Celtics are actively pursuing Murphy.

The Celtics have, however, shown interest in him in the past.

After the Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto revealed that Boston was among the teams in the mix for Murphy.

“The Celtics have monitored Murphy’s trade market, and following the Brown trade for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks, they have gained extra draft capital that New Orleans has desired in any trade talks,” Scotto reported in July.

Scotto also reported that the Pelicans had lowered their asking price from the equivalent of four first-round picks to three.

Some fans thought the Celtics were closing in on a deal for Murphy in September after a social media account claimed Boston was pursuing a trade involving George and multiple draft picks. However, the rumor wasn’t true, and the account has a history of spreading fabricated NBA rumors.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Celtics show interest in Murphy again ahead of this season’s trade deadline, though. He checks some of the same boxes as Paul George — he’s a 6-foot-8 forward who can knock down 3s and make plays defensively — only he’s 10 years younger and is under contract through the 2028-29 season.

If the Celtics do put in a call to the Pelicans, they now have a better idea of what it would cost them.

More Celtics news: