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San Antonio Spurs join race for New Orleans Pelicans star and mentor of Carter Bryant

Originally posted on HITC | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 12:10 PM ET

The San Antonio Spurs are reportedly interested in a 20-point-per-game scorer, who played a role in Carter Bryant’s path to the NBA.

San Antonio and Victor Wembanyama are heading into their first season with real expectations. They brought in De’Aaron Fox last year and later signed him to a max contract to pair with their French superstar.

They also have reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, along with two intriguing newcomers: number two pick Dylan Harper and 14th overall selection Carter Bryant.

Now recent reports suggest the Spurs are eyeing a player who spent time mentoring Bryant before he entered the league.

San Antonio Spurs showing interest in Trey Murphy III

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According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the New Orleans Pelicans have taken calls from the Spurs regarding a possible trade for Trey Murphy III. He is coming off his best season yet as he heads into year five in the league.

Last season, the 25-year-old averaged 21 points and five rebounds per game, ranking second on the New Orleans team only to Zion Williamson, despite playing 23 more games.

Fischer added that multiple teams are interested in Murphy, but New Orleans are not eager to move him.

“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,” he wrote.

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

San Antonio are deep at guard with Fox, Castle and Harper all competing for minutes. Fox’s new deal even raised some questions, given their depth there. Trading some guard talent for Murphy might help balance out their roster.

Trey Murphy III played a role in Carter Bryant landing with the San Antonio Spurs

Trey Murphy III already has a connection with Spurs rookie Carter Bryant, who is getting ready for his first season in the league. Murphy regularly offered advice to the newcomer, as they spoke frequently before the draft.

“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,” he said on The Young Man and The Three podcast

Bryant’s openness to learning from other NBA players fits well with the Spurs’ culture. Even Wembanyama spent time working out with Kevin Garnett this offseason, showing that even top talents are still looking to improve.

Bringing in Murphy would not just add more firepower. It could also help create a positive environment around Bryant as he begins his rookie season.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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