The San Antonio Spurs open the 2025-26 season with cautious optimism. They’ve put Victor Wembanyama at the center of their rebuild, and he’s already shown signs he can become the franchise’s cornerstone.
To speed up that process, the Spurs pulled off a multi-team deal to land De’Aaron Fox, giving Wembanyama a proven partner.
Still, the roster has gaps. San Antonio needs more reliable shooting and better balance if it wants to rise above the label of a young, promising team.
That’s why this trade proposal makes sense for them heading into the new season.
THIS IS A PREDICTION, NOT A REPORT.
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Trey Murphy III to the Spurs: Potential Trade Idea
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Trey Murphy III
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Devin Vassell
This trade would focus on fit above all else. Both players are skilled wings in their mid-20s, but Murphy’s game matches San Antonio’s needs more closely.
Why Trey Murphy III Fits San Antonio
Murphy just posted the best season of his career with New Orleans, averaging 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field and nearly 89% from the free-throw line.
His biggest weapon is the three-point shot. With a career average of 38.3% from deep, he stretches defenses and creates the kind of spacing that helps Wembanyama and Fox thrive.
Murphy punishes defenses as both a spot-up shooter and a finisher at the rim, where he converted more than 70% of his looks last season. On defense, he doesn’t dominate, but his size, length, and effort allow him to guard multiple positions and provide secondary rim protection.
Bringing Murphy in wouldn’t instantly make the Spurs contenders, but it would raise their ceiling. He fills a glaring hole by giving them a steady perimeter scorer who fits perfectly alongside their franchise stars.
What the Pelicans Gain with Devin Vassell
New Orleans would add Devin Vassell, who has steadily grown into a reliable two-way player. He put up 16.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists last season while hitting better than 35% from deep.
Vassell brings value through his defense and off-ball work. He doesn’t match Murphy’s offensive burst, but he plays with energy, uses his length well, and thrives as a 3-and-D wing.
His knack for jumping passing lanes and defending multiple positions gives the Pelicans a defensive boost, something they need to balance out their core of scorers.
Why This Trade Works for Both Teams
San Antonio gets what it wants with Murphy: elite shooting and a bigger offensive ceiling to unlock Wembanyama and Fox.
New Orleans gains Vassell, who brings defense, balance, and reliable scoring without dominating possessions.
The Spurs add shooting and spacing, while the Pelicans add defense and a steady complement to their stars. If this trade reaches the table, both front offices would be wise to give it serious thought.