The San Antonio Spurs are sitting in a strong spot at 22-7, good for second place in the Western Conference. And with the NBA trade deadline creeping up-February 5 at 3 p.m.
ET, to be exact-they’ve got a real opportunity to fine-tune this roster for a deep postseason run. The foundation is already solid, but a smart move or two could elevate them from contender to favorite.
One name that’s popped up in trade chatter is Trey Murphy III. According to a recent trade simulation, the Spurs could potentially land the sharpshooting wing from New Orleans in a deal that would send Kelly Olynyk and Jeremy Sochan-two forwards currently outside of Mitch Johnson’s main rotation-to the Pelicans. The proposed trade also includes a haul of future draft capital: first-round picks from Chicago (2026), Atlanta (2027), and Sacramento (2031).
Murphy, a career 38.1% shooter from deep, is the kind of perimeter threat that could thrive in San Antonio’s current system. Offensively, the Spurs already boast a dynamic trio in Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and De’Aaron Fox.
All three are capable of collapsing defenses with their drives and pull-up games, and that kind of gravity creates a ton of space for shooters on the perimeter. Add Murphy to that mix, and you’ve got a ready-made catch-and-shoot weapon who can stretch defenses and punish teams that overcommit to stopping the stars.
From San Antonio’s perspective, this isn’t just about adding a shooter-it’s about fit and playoff versatility. Murphy gives them a reliable floor spacer who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective.
That’s a big deal when you’re building around a player like Wembanyama, who demands attention at every level of the floor. Murphy’s presence could open up more driving lanes and give the Spurs another layer of offensive flexibility.
As for the Pelicans, currently sitting at 8-23 and 14th in the West, this kind of move signals a shift toward the future. The players they’d receive-Olynyk and Sochan-could either be flipped again or used as developmental pieces, depending on how New Orleans wants to approach the rebuild.
But the real prize here is the draft capital. Three first-round picks, even if they’re spread out over several years, give the Pelicans some serious ammunition to either build through the draft or swing a bigger trade down the line.
There’s also a potential twist to this scenario. Rumors are swirling that the Spurs could be eyeing Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. ahead of the deadline.
The Bucks, reportedly open to moving Trent Jr., are said to be listening to offers-and San Antonio has the assets to make something happen. They’ve got a surplus of second-round picks, and if they’re serious about adding another shooter, Trent Jr. makes a lot of sense.
He’s hitting 37.1% from three this season and has the kind of experience and scoring punch that could bolster the Spurs’ bench.
One idea floating around is a three-team deal involving the Spurs, Pelicans, and Bucks. In that scenario, San Antonio could send second-round picks to Milwaukee, the Bucks could get a player from New Orleans, and the Pelicans could walk away with even more draft compensation. It’s the kind of creative, multi-team trade that contenders often explore when trying to thread the needle between win-now moves and long-term planning.
Bottom line: the Spurs are in position to make noise. They’ve got a strong core, a clear identity, and the flexibility to add the right pieces before the deadline. Whether it’s Trey Murphy III, Gary Trent Jr., or another under-the-radar addition, San Antonio looks like a team ready to push its chips in and make a serious run this spring.