Troy Murphy has reportedly been bought out by Golden State Warriors as originally reported by Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News, less than one week after he was traded to the Warriors by the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Brandan Wright and Dan Gadzuric.
Murphy did not play a single game for Golden State and has not played in any game since Jan. 7. In 18 games with New Jersey, Murphy averaged 3.6 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 44.6%.
According to a report from ESPN, the Boston Celtics are one of the teams interested in acquiring Murphy’s services after trading away big men Kendrick Perkins, Semih Erden and Luke Harangody at the trading deadline.
In a flurry of deals right at last Thursday’s deadline, the Celtics traded three big men and also opened up three roster spots. Part of the strategy, league executives said, was to make room for one or two free agents to be added after buyout season. Murphy is a top choice to fill one of those roles.
In addition to Boston, the Miami Heat are also reportedly interested in signing Murphy, according to ESPN. However, the Heat would need to release a player.
Murphy, a 6-foot, 11-inch forward-center, is unique for a player of his size. In addition to his rebounding prowess (8.5 rebounds per game in 10 seasons), Murphy has also proven to be a solid shooter from long distance, shooting 39.1% from three-point range for his career.
In 10 years in the NBA, Murphy is averaging 11.8 points and has averaged 44.6% shooting from the field. Murphy’s best statistical seasons came in 2008-09 and 2009-10 with the Indiana Pacers, when he averaged 14.3 points and 11.8 rebounds and 14.6 points and 10.2 rebounds, respectively.
Murphy was drafted by the Warriors with the 14th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft. He played with in Golden State for six seasons before playing in Indiana from 2006 to 2010.