The San Antonio Spurs have hit a rough patch lately, and with the trade deadline looming, it looked like they might be ready to make a move to shore up some key weaknesses. But two potential difference-makers-Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans-are reportedly off the table after other teams failed to meet the Pelicans’ asking price. And that’s a tough blow for a Spurs team that could’ve used exactly what those two bring to the floor.
Let’s start with Murphy. He’s not just a good shooter-he’s one of the league’s more dangerous high-volume threats from deep at the forward spot.
That kind of spacing is gold in today’s NBA, especially for a Spurs team that’s still figuring out how to maximize the floor around its young core. Add in his defensive chops and positional versatility, and you can see why he would’ve been a seamless fit in San Antonio.
He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, but can still swing games with his shooting and length.
Then there’s Herb Jones, who might’ve been an even better fit given the Spurs’ current needs. Jones is a lockdown perimeter defender-precisely the kind of player you want when you're facing teams like the Thunder or Lakers, who throw multiple scoring wings at you.
He’s the guy you assign to the toughest cover and trust he’ll make life miserable for them. And here’s the kicker: he’s under contract for three more seasons.
That’s not just a rental-that’s a long-term solution on the wing.
For a Spurs team that’s been inconsistent defending the perimeter, especially the three-point line, Jones could’ve been a game-changer. He wouldn’t just patch a hole-he’d elevate an already top-10 defense into something even more formidable. And when you’re trying to build a playoff-ready roster, that kind of defensive upgrade matters.
Now, with both Murphy and Jones likely staying put in New Orleans, the Spurs are left scanning the landscape without a clear Plan B. There just aren’t many wings on the market who can shoot, defend multiple positions, and potentially slide into the four spot when needed. That kind of two-way versatility is rare-and even rarer to find available at the deadline.
One name that’s floated around is Harrison Barnes. But the reality is, Barnes hasn’t looked like the same player this season.
He’s lost a step, and while he still offers some floor spacing, his impact has been inconsistent. At this point, he may be better suited for a reduced role off the bench-someone who can give you minutes in spurts, but not the kind of nightly contributor the Spurs were hoping to land.
With the trade market thinning out, San Antonio may have no choice but to turn inward. That brings us to Julian Champagnie, who’s quietly made a case for himself.
He’s shown he can shoot, rebound, and hold his own defensively. He’s not flashy, but he’s solid-and right now, solid might be exactly what the Spurs need at the four.
If Barnes continues to slide, Champagnie could be the next man up. And while that might not be the blockbuster solution fans were hoping for, it’s a testament to the Spurs’ commitment to development. They’ve always believed in building from within, and if the trade market doesn’t offer the right piece, they’re not going to force it.
Bottom line: the Spurs had their eyes on two ideal fits, and now both are likely staying put. That stings.
But the season’s not over, and there’s still time to tweak the rotation, elevate young talent, and keep building the foundation. The trade deadline might be quiet in San Antonio-but that doesn’t mean the work stops.