The San Antonio Spurs have been one of the surprise stories of the season, sitting just five and a half games out of first place in the Western Conference. They’ve gone from a young, intriguing roster to a legitimate threat-and while they’re still chasing the top seed, the window to make a serious push might be opening faster than expected.
That’s where a bold trade proposal comes into play: San Antonio potentially swinging a deal for New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III. The hypothetical trade? The Spurs would send Jeremy Sochan, Harrison Barnes, and three first-round picks to New Orleans in exchange for Murphy.
Now, let’s break down why this move could make a lot of sense for San Antonio-both in the short term and for the bigger picture.
Why Trey Murphy III Fits the Spurs’ Vision
Murphy is averaging 22.3 points, six rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game this season, and he’s doing it while shooting 38% from three. That’s not just solid-it’s the kind of efficiency that turns a good offense into a dangerous one. For a Spurs team that currently ranks just 18th in three-pointers made, adding a high-volume, high-efficiency shooter like Murphy could be a game-changer.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Murphy’s length, defensive instincts, and ability to space the floor make him an ideal fit next to Victor Wembanyama.
With Wemby drawing so much attention in the paint, the Spurs need reliable perimeter threats who can punish defenses for collapsing. Murphy checks that box in a big way.
Slide him into the starting five in place of Harrison Barnes, and suddenly the Spurs have a more dynamic, modern lineup. Murphy becomes the clear No. 2 scoring option behind Wembanyama, and his presence opens up driving lanes and kick-out opportunities for the rest of the roster. It’s the kind of move that not only helps now but also aligns with the long-term vision of building around Wemby with versatile, two-way talent.
The Cost: A Calculated Gamble
Giving up Jeremy Sochan, Barnes, and three first-round picks is no small price. Sochan is a versatile defender with upside, and the draft capital could be valuable. But this is the kind of swing you take when you believe your timeline is accelerating-when a young team starts playing like a contender ahead of schedule.
The Spurs have built a strong foundation, and adding a player like Murphy could push them into the next tier. They’ve already shown they can hang with some of the league’s best. With Murphy in the fold, they’d have the firepower to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the West.
Looking Ahead
This isn’t just about this season. It’s about building a core that can contend for years to come.
Wembanyama is the centerpiece, but he needs the right pieces around him-players who can shoot, defend, and complement his unique skill set. Trey Murphy III fits that mold to a T.
If the Spurs feel the West tightening up-and if they believe they’re one piece away from making real noise in the playoffs-this is the kind of move that could shift the balance. Not just for now, but for the rest of the decade.
The ball’s in San Antonio’s court.