As the San Antonio Spurs continue laying the foundation for their next era of championship contention, the front office is reportedly eyeing a move that could fast-track their rebuild - and it starts with adding a high-level shooter to complement their young core.
Victor Wembanyama is already evolving into the kind of generational player who can anchor both ends of the floor. His shot is improving, but make no mistake - his bread and butter is still dominating the paint.
That makes surrounding him with reliable floor-spacers all the more important. Right now, with Devin Vassell sidelined due to injury and Harrison Barnes struggling to find rhythm, Julian Champagnie stands alone as the only consistent perimeter threat in the starting lineup.
The Spurs have been linked to several names who could help stretch the floor, including Moses Moody and Lauri Markkanen. But one name stands out above the rest: Trey Murphy III. According to a recent mock trade proposal, San Antonio could make a serious move to bring in the New Orleans Pelicans’ sharpshooting wing.
The Mock Deal: Trey Murphy III to San Antonio
In the proposed trade, the Spurs would send Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, and three first-round picks to New Orleans in exchange for Murphy III. On the surface, that’s a hefty price - especially when you consider Sochan’s upside and the value of three future firsts. But there’s a logic to the move for both sides.
From New Orleans’ perspective, both Sochan and Barnes are on expiring deals, giving them financial flexibility heading into the offseason. They’d also be adding a versatile young forward in Sochan, who still has room to grow. The draft capital sweetens the pot, giving the Pelicans a chance to retool around their existing core.
For San Antonio, the appeal is clear. Murphy is having a breakout season, averaging a career-best 22.3 points per game while shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc.
He’s not just a spot-up shooter - he moves well without the ball, defends his position, and fits seamlessly into a modern, pace-and-space offense. On a Spurs roster that already features Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, Murphy would likely slide in as a high-level third option - a perfect complement to their inside-out attack.
Does the Price Match the Potential?
Three first-round picks is no small ask, and it’s fair to wonder if San Antonio would be willing to go that far. But this isn’t just about adding talent - it’s about fit.
Murphy brings exactly what the Spurs are missing right now: consistent perimeter shooting, defensive versatility, and playoff-ready experience. He’s just 25 years old, meaning he fits the timeline of this young core while still offering immediate impact.
If the Spurs are serious about accelerating their trajectory, this is the kind of swing that makes sense. It’s not mortgaging the future - it’s investing in a player who can help define it.
A New-Look Starting Five
If the deal goes through, San Antonio’s starting lineup could look like this: Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Trey Murphy III, Devin Vassell, and Victor Wembanyama. That’s a group loaded with athleticism, shooting, and two-way potential. Off the bench, the Spurs would still have depth - Champagnie, Keldon Johnson, Luke Kornet, and Dylan Harper give them one of the most well-rounded second units in the league.
This isn’t just about adding a shooter. It’s about building a roster that can compete at the highest level - now and in the years to come. And if Murphy III is on the table, the Spurs would be wise to take a long, hard look.