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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 26: Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first quarter of a 2025 Emirates NBA Cup game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Smoothie King Center on November 26, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
The San Antonio Spurs have shown the ability to compete with the best team in the league. They have now beaten the Oklahoma City Thunder three times this season, showing that they are possible title contenders. If San Antonio can beat them, they can beat anyone.
Right now, the Spurs sit second in the Western Conference standings, just behind the Thunder. It’s clear that the Thunder have issues with the Spurs as long as Victor Wembanyama is on the floor. Still, he has had some injury problems early in his career.
A trade proposal from Bleacher Report has the Spurs going after 3-and-D wing Trey Murphy III from the Pelicans to help their perimeter defense.
GettyNew Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III motions on the court. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Spurs Add Trey Murphy in Bold Trade Proposal
Here is the full trade proposal:
San Antonio Spurs receive: Trey Murphy III
New Orleans Pelicans receive: Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, and 2031 first-round pick (via SAS or SAC)
Murphy III has shown the ability to knock down 3-point shots at an elite clip. Not just that, but he’s an elite scorer, averaging over 20 points per game for New Orleans. He’s shooting close to 50 percent from the field. That’s the highest clip of his career.
Murphy III has the highest true shooting percentage of his career, as well. Adding him would give the Spurs a third scorer, which would give them some insurance if Wembanyama gets hurt again. De’Aaron Fox also has a history of some injuries, as well.
Trading a future first-round pick shouldn’t hurt them as much because they should be pretty good around the time that the pick would convey. The Pelicans need as much draft capital as they can get, since they still have no foundational player to build around.
Adding someone like Murphy III would signal that they believe Wembanyama is good enough for them to go for a championship right away. He’s a generational talent, but he has to find a way to stay on the court later in the season, something he’s yet to do in his young career.
GettySan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama drives the ball. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
The Spurs Should Be Considered Title Contenders
San Antonio should be considered better than any team in the Eastern Conference. Getting past the Thunder is going to be the biggest obstacle for them to win a title. Even if the Spurs decide not to add Murphy, they could still add a smaller piece to help them win at the highest level.
There’s also a chance that San Antonio decides to stand pat because they think they are good enough to compete for a championship without giving up future assets. They have young players who can develop later in the season and next season into true threats.
San Antonio also has the assets to make a massive move, including making a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. How they decide to proceed at the trade deadline will be an indication of the faith they have in Wembanyama.