The San Antonio Spurs are 5-1 to start the season, and Victor Wembanyama looks like one of the best players in the world. He’s attacking the basket more and leaning into his physicality. Team success has followed.
The Spurs got off to a hot start without De’Aaron Fox, who has missed time with a hamstring injury. Dylan Harper went down with a calf injury on November 2nd.
Between Fox, Harper, Wembanyama, and Stephon Castle, the Spurs have plenty of scorers and creators. However, they are a below-average team in both 3-point percentage and 3-point attempts. Surrounding Wembanyama with shooting seems like a simple recipe for success, and one of their former players named a possible trade candidate.
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 25: Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs drives against Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center on February 25, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs Could Add Trey Murphy III
The New Orleans Pelicans are in a tailspin. They are yet to win a game and don’t own a first-round pick in 2026. In order for first-year general manager Joe Dumars to save any face, he has to give fans some hope for a brighter future.
Unfortunately, Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, Jordan Hawkins, and Dejounte Murray have never had lower trade value. The Pelicans’ hands are mostly tied, and their options are limited. Trey Murphy III, coming off a career year, might be their only hope.
“Can they trade Trey Murphy? Can they trade Herb Jones?” asked Danny Green on his Inside the Green Room podcast. “Yeah, they can move some pieces to make it look better or be better.”
Last season, Murphy III averaged 21.2 points on 36.1% shooting from deep. This year, those numbers are down. If he were on a more talented team, like the Spurs, his production would improve.
“During the offseason, there was a lot of trade buzz surrounding Trey Murphy, a 3-and-D type of player,” added Harrison Sanford on the same episode. “He gets a lot of 3-pointers up. He’s shown that he could be a good defender. I would almost say he is the one person on that team that could maybe save them from themselves, in the sense that he’s still a valued commodity in this NBA, and you could trade him and potentially get back in the lottery mix for next year.”
Mock Trade Sends Murphy III to San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs boast more than their fair share of draft capital, although a lot of it comes from other teams. They have swaps with the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Murphy III, while talented, is not worth multiple lottery picks. Right now, the Pelicans should have the best chances to land the top pick. Instead, that selection was sent to the Hawks.
The Spurs can give New Orleans some draft relief, although they should attach protections to picks in case they have a chance to land a premier talent.
Full Mock Trade Details
- San Antonio Spurs Receive: Trey Murphy III
- New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Harrison Barnes, Kelly Olynyk, 2026 first-round pick swap (via ATL, top-eight protected), 2031 first-round pick swap (via SAC, top-eight protected)
This season, Harrison Barnes has been more reliable than Murphy III. However, a lot of that is simply due to the situations they are in. Barnes doesn’t really fit Wembanyama’s timeline and will be a free agent this summer. Losing that veteran would hurt, but Murphy III is a long-term upgrade.
Kelly Olynyk is yet to make his debut for the Spurs, but his salary makes the trade financially feasible for both teams.
There is a very strong case to be made that San Antonio should stand pat and not make a deal. However, if they don’t want to break the bank, Murphy III is a reasonable option for the rising Spurs.
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