Spurs' dream trade deadline target could make a championship run a reality

The NBA trade deadline isn't until February 2027, but the San Antonio Spurs may want to keep a close eye on a top potential trade target. New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy has been in and out of trade rumors since the beginning of last season.

He appears likely to remain in New Orleans to start next season, but he may be dealt prior to the trade deadline. The Pelicans may have overplayed their hand by asking for three first-round picks for Murphy, and it's clear that teams aren't willing to spend that much for him.

That doesn't make him a bad player, however. Instead, the teams that have the most interest in acquiring him don't have that many assets. The Spurs do, however. They also have the necessary salaries to make a potential trade work.

What would a Trey Murphy-to-the-Spurs trade look like?

Trading Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, and Jordan McLaughlin—possibly to a third team—for Murphy technically works. As far as picks, I highly doubt the Pelicans will receive the three first-round picks they are demanding.

Instead, I suspect they will go for quality rather than quantity. In that case, San Antonio could offer the 2027 Atlanta Hawks first-round pick as well as possibly the Sacramento Kings 2031 pick swap.

Or, perhaps multiple second-round picks in addition to the Hawks selection. The end result could be the Spurs adding another athletic wing or scorer to their roster.

How would Trey Murphy fit on the Spurs?

Murphy III has established himself as a 20-point-per-game scorer, averaging 21.3 points over the last two seasons. That that is due in large part to his 3-point shooting, with him drilling 37.9% from outside on 8.6 attempts per game.

He is also hyperefficient on 2-point field goals thanks in part to his athleticism, alley-oops, and overall finishing at the rim. On the Spurs, he'd likely start next to De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Julian Champagnie, and Victor Wembanyama.

That would push Devin Vassell to the bench, replacing Johnson on the second unit with him playing alongside Dylan Harper, Tobias Harris, and Luke Kornet. Adding a long, athletic scoring wing could add more offensive pop and shooting to the Spurs.

Especially since Murphy III would basically be replacing Johnson. Ultimately, the Pelicans may hold off on moving Murphy III until around the trade deadline. But, if the asking price for him goes down, then the Spurs should be very interested.

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