Spurs' perfect trade target just became available and it's not Giannis

I know everyone wants to see the big flashy trade, so they're looking for the Spurs to do something major like land Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Trey Murphy III is sitting right there. He'll be much more affordable for Brian Wright in two ways. It'll cost less to acquire him, and you don't have to pay him nearly as much. The best part is that we've actually heard real rumors suggesting Murphy is on the market.

There have been whispers about Giannis' availability, but it hasn't come without disclaimers and double-speak. He wants to play in New York; he and his people have begun talks with Milwaukee about his future; he hasn't asked for a trade; he'll only go to a contender. Whatever, man. It's hard to keep track of, and the Spurs are doing too well to get caught up in drama.

Truth be told, they'll be better off without the Greek Freak anyway unless he can be had for a reasonable price, but for that to happen, he'd have to name San Antonio as his one and only preferred destination, similar to how De'Aaron Fox made his way down south. That's not happening. Fortunately, Trigga Trey is all they need if they're going to make any changes to their main rotation, and I'm not even sure they should.

Any major trade would be playing with fire for the Spurs

If you make a trade for a player of the caliber of Murphy, you have to put him in the starting lineup. That means someone from that unit is either being sent to the bench or traded away in the deal. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but if you disrupt something that's working and the new setup falters, the level of blame goes through the roof, as fans and executives will demand accountability.

Harrison Barnes isn't going anywhere. His veteran leadership, reliability, and explosive performances have pretty much guaranteed his spot on the roster. Devin Vassell is having his best year as a pro. Moving Stephon Castle in a deal for Trey would never happen, so is he the one relegated to a bench role? That might actually be the best option, although many wouldn't love it.

Murphy would become the new best perimeter defender in the starting lineup, so it could work. He has the benefit of size on his side; he's 6'8" with a 7'1" wingspan. The Spurs could put some massive lineups on the floor. Starters aside, Mitch Johnson could deploy Steph, Trey, Harrison, Victor Wembanyama, and Luke Kornet.

We could truly see some all-time great defensive lineups if they could get a deal done. However, not getting a deal done can be just as effective. There's an unknown element here that should be accounted for. San Antonio has yet to have all of their players healthy. They could very well need nothing at all. We don't know that, because we don't know how good they really are.

If anything, that fact alone could prevent Brian Wright from making a move. The Silver and Black are notoriously patient, and if they feel like they don't have enough information, they're not going to budge. Nor should they. Their way led to five championships, two decades of winning, the acquisition of Victor Wembanyama, and the fleecing of Sacramento for De'Aaron Fox. It's safe to say that it's working.