The San Antonio Spurs have been linked to more than their fair share of NBA trade candidates, and one recently proposed mock trade almost gives them the best roster in the NBA. With one slight alteration, it could be the perfect deal.
Despite holding the second-best record in the Western Conference, the San Antonio Spurs have still been caught up in trade rumors. Linked to Lauri Markkanen, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Trey Murphy II, the Spurs have the means to improve their roster before the deadline.
Is it worth messing with a good thing? After all, key depth pieces seem to be bought into their roles, and the Spurs have youngsters like Carter Bryant and Dylan Harper, who are waiting for an even bigger role in the coming seasons.
In an effort to add to the shooting core of Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and Julian Champagnie, a proven wing does make sense, and the New Orleans Pelicans are likely desperate to add any draft capital or expiring contracts. Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley proposed the following deal, which is almost perfect for the Spurs
Full Mock Trade Details
- San Antonio Spurs recieve: Trey Murphy III
- New Orleans Pelicans receive: Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, and 2031 first-round pick (via SAS or SAC)
Murphy III would immediately slot in as a starter, and he is a better wing than anyone the Spurs currently have on their roster. This deal only sees the Spurs give up one pick (good) and keep their young core intact (good), and if the Pelicans offer this package, the Spurs should take it.
However, it isn't quite perfect. For that, Keldon Johnson would stay on the roster. He's the beating heart of the team, the longest tenured player, and has fully bought into what it means to be both a Spur and a reserve player.
Instead, the Spurs should offer Harrison Barnes. He's also a steady locker room presence and is a starter, although his ties in San Antonio aren't as deep. Plus, he's in the last year of his contract, so the Pelicans could open up some cap space this offseason. Swapping Johnson out for Barnes is a win for both teams.
If the Spurs can add Murphy III on either Buckley's deal or on our revised trade, the starting lineup would be a well-rounded De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Victor Wembanyama, and Murphy III.
Coming off the bench would be Dylan Harper, Johnson/Barnes, Julian Chamopagnie, and Luke Kornet. Is there a better nine-man rotation in the league? The Kings' pick in 2031 is one of the Spurs' best assets, but for a young, win-now piece who fits in with the current roster? That's a hard deal to pass up, especially if the Spurs can keep all of their core players.