The San Antonio Spurs are expected to be one of the busier teams in the NBA this offseason, with Lauri Markkanen, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo all listed as possible trade candidates.
While those players are established stars, the Spurs might prefer to add an emerging talent, and the New Orleans Pelicans are expected to tear down their underperforming roster under new executive Joe Dumars.
Last season, as the Pelicans were plagued by injuries, Trey Murphy III broke out, averaging a career-high 21.2 points to go with 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
At only 24 years old and under contract through the 2028-29 season, he certainly fits the Spurs' timeline, although last season's success could, and likely was, a fluke.
He shot a career-low 36.1 percent from 3-point range, which is still solid, although with scorers like Brandon Ingram, Dejounte Murray, and Zion Williamson missing much of the season, someone had to score, and Murphy III rose to the occasion.
On the Spurs, he would be the third, maybe even fourth or fifth option on offense, and he is more of a volume scorer than anything else. Had Devin Vassell or Keldon Johnson played an identical role last season on the Pelicans, their production would have been similar, and in order to land Murphy III, the Spurs would have to give up draft capital and match his salary.
His value is at a peak, and as everyone knows, you buy low and sell high. Murphy III, on a good team, would likely play a more Jordan Clarkson-style role than anything else, and the Spurs don't need to waste their resources on a player like that.
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