The Oklahoma City Thunder may be surging toward long-term dominance in the Western Conference, but don’t sleep on the San Antonio Spurs. Quietly, methodically, the Spurs are building something that could throw a wrench into OKC’s plans-and they may be one bold move away from accelerating their rise.
That move? A potential trade for Trey Murphy III.
Let’s break it down.
The Proposed Deal:
San Antonio Spurs receive:
- Trey Murphy III
New Orleans Pelicans receive:
- Harrison Barnes
- Jeremy Sochan
- 2029 First-Round Pick (via Spurs)
- 2031 First-Round Pick (via Spurs - Top-5 Protected)
Why This Makes Sense for New Orleans
For the Pelicans, this is about two things: draft capital and long-term flexibility.
Jeremy Sochan is the kind of player who fits a rebuilding timeline. Yes, his role’s taken a hit this season-his minutes are down, and his offensive game is still a work in progress-but he’s flashed elite defensive potential. That’s the kind of upside a team in transition can afford to bet on.
But let’s be real: this deal isn’t centered around Sochan. It’s about the picks.
In a market where even a name like Trae Young didn’t fetch a first-rounder, two future firsts-one unprotected and one lightly protected-carry real weight. Murphy is a valuable asset, no doubt.
He’s young, efficient, and versatile. But the trade landscape right now isn’t built for sellers.
Unless a superstar unexpectedly hits the market, it’s hard to imagine many non-All-Stars pulling in a bigger return.
So if New Orleans is leaning into a longer-term rebuild, this is the kind of move that brings in future assets without completely gutting the roster. It’s a reset, not a teardown.
Why the Spurs Should Pull the Trigger
On the flip side, San Antonio has reached the point where draft picks aren’t just lottery tickets-they’re trade chips. With Victor Wembanyama already looking like a franchise cornerstone and a young backcourt featuring Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle developing ahead of schedule, the Spurs are no longer just collecting talent. They’re shaping a core.
And Trey Murphy III fits that core like a glove.
He’s averaging 22.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while hitting 38.1% from deep. That’s not just good-it’s scalable, playoff-ready production.
He’s nearly 50% from the field overall and over 90% at the line, showing off a polished offensive game that goes beyond catch-and-shoot. He can attack closeouts, create off the bounce, and hold his own defensively across multiple positions.
This isn’t your standard 3-and-D wing. Murphy has evolved into a legitimate secondary option-exactly the kind of player who can thrive next to Wembanyama, drawing attention away from the big man while punishing defenses that overcommit.
And the contract? It’s tailor-made for San Antonio’s timeline.
Murphy is locked in through 2028-29 on a four-year, $112 million deal with no player option. That’s cost certainty during Wembanyama’s prime, and it doesn’t hamstring the Spurs’ flexibility going forward.
As for what they’re giving up: Sochan has slipped in the rotation, and Barnes was never a long-term piece. This is a classic case of turning spare parts and future assets into a player who helps now and later.
The Bigger Picture
This move isn’t about chasing Oklahoma City out of panic-it’s about seizing the moment.
The Spurs aren’t rushing the rebuild. They’ve been patient, calculated.
But when opportunity knocks, timing matters. And with the Pelicans looking to pivot, San Antonio has the assets and the vision to capitalize.
For New Orleans, Murphy may be the most valuable trade chip on the roster. Zion Williamson may grab the headlines, but Murphy’s the one who can bring back real draft equity without forcing a full-blown tank. If they can squeeze another pick or sweetener out of this deal, all the better-but even as it stands, the logic is sound.
If the Thunder are setting the standard for the next era of Western Conference basketball, the Spurs are quietly building their answer. And moves like this? They’re how contenders are made.