NBA Trade Rumor: Spurs Land Trey Murphy III in Blockbuster Proposal

Depending on who you listen to, the San Antonio Spurs have vaulted to the No. 1 or No. 2 spot in the NBA's Power Rankings, following their third straight win over the previously unbeatable Oklahoma City Thunder. The Spurs just could be close to championship-ready.

But what if they also went out before the trade deadline and landed themselves an elite, athletic, versatile 3-and-D wing to add to the mix? It could mean the Larry O'Brien being Lone Star State-bound.

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report has proposed a blockbuster deal that would bring New Orleans Pelicans' much-sought-after trade candidate Trey Murphy III to San Antonio, to join Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox & Co.

San Antonio Spurs receive:

Trey Murphy III

New Orleans Pelicans receive:

Keldon Johnson
Jeremy Sochan
2031 first-round pick (via SAS or SAC)

Adding another 20-point scorer to the lineup, not to mention his length and ability to defend multiple positions, would make the Spurs a legit title contender (as if they aren't already).

"Murphy could slot in as the two-way wing capable of elevating this group from an up-and-comer to a full-fledged contender," writes Buckley. "He pairs all-purpose utility on defense with the kind of offensive package perfect for a high-end support player."

Pelicans could add three building blocks for future in Trey Murphy trade

For the Pelicans, in the throes of another lost season despite a recent five-game winning streak, Murphy's excellence (not to mention his four-year, $112M contract) is wasted on a team that's on pace for a win total in the 20s for the second straight season. If they could package him for two strong rotation players and a first-round pick, it would be a nice return.

Keldon Johnson was a 20-point scorer himself just three seasons ago, and is only 26, while Sochan is a versatile defender at one end of the floor, and a slasher and playmaker on the other end, who's only 22.

For New Orleans, "No stone should be unturned in their search for building blocks. They could offer both Johnson and Sochan an opportunity to earn that status," writes Buckley.