San Antonio Spurs in the fight for 20-point-per-game scorer who mentored Carter Bryant 

San Antonio Spurs inquiring about Trey Murphy III

The New Orleans Pelicans have received calls from the Spurs about the potential of trading for Trey Murphy III, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Murphy III is enterin g his fifth season in the league following a career year.

The 25-year-old averaged 21 points and five rebounds per game last season. That was bettered only by Zion Williamson for New Orleans last season, although Murphy III played 23 more games. He’s an athletic wing capable of lifting the roof off of arenas with highlight plays.

Fischer said the Pelicans are fending off potential suitors for a trade, including the Spurs. He wrote, “Sources say that the Pelicans, to be clear, have batted away calls for the 25-year-old, valuing him highly. The two-way forward will be playing on a contract in 2025-26 — at precisely $25 million — as desirable as his talent.

“Another team known to have registered trade interest in Murphy, sources say, is San Antonio.”

The Spurs already have the most promising young core in the NBA. Adding another to the wing would only bring them closer to title contention for years to come.

San Antonio has an abundance of guards. Fox, Castle, and Harper will be fighting for minutes in the backcourt, which made Fox’s new contract a questionable decision. They could offload some guard talent in return for Murphy III to create a more balanced roster.

They may have a particular interest in him because of the help he gave their rookie before the draft.

Trey Murphy III helped Carter Bryant get drafted by the San Antonio Spurs

Murphy III is already familiar with Spurs rookie Bryant, who is preparing for his first NBA season. The two spoke frequently before the draft, and Murphy III was happy to give Bryant advice.

Speaking on The Young Man and The Three podcast, he said, “I was talking to him at Nike Skills and we just stayed in contact. Throughout the year at Arizona, he would ask for advice and stuff like that. I would just try to help him through stuff and talk to him.

“I know, for me coming up, I would always love when older people would spit knowledge and give me game because it is free knowledge.”

Bryant’s willingness to take on knowledge from other NBA players is in line with the Spurs culture. Wembanyama worked out with Kevin Garnett this offseason, showing that even generational talents can take advice on board to improve themselves.

Trading for Murphy III would not only add talent to San Antonio’s already promising roster but also help generate a constructive environment for Bryant as he develops in his rookie year.