A blockbuster NBA trade idea between the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans was created by Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report.
Here is the trade idea:
San Antonio Spurs acquire: Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray
New Orleans Pelicans acquire: De’Aaron Fox, Luke Kornet, 2027 first-round pick (via ATL), 2028 first-round swap (via BOS), 2030 first-round pick, 2031 first-round swap (via SAC), 2027 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick (NOP’s own), 2029 second-round pick (NOP’s own)
Many Spurs fans want Fox gone since Dylan Harper looks like a future star. Fox’s $221 million extension kicks in next season. The lefty will make $49.5 million during the 2026-27 campaign after averaging 12.8 points and 6.0 assists per game in the 2026 NBA Finals against the New York Knicks while shooting 34.3% from the field and 25.0% from beyond the arc.
Harper played very well against the Knicks. He put up 18.0 points per game and shot 49.3% overall. The youngster wasn’t fazed at all despite playing in the NBA Finals at 20 years old. He looked like the veteran, while Fox looked like the rookie.
The Spurs acquired Fox from the Sacramento Kings during the 2024-25 season. Fox is averaging 18.8 points and 6.3 assists per game in a San Antonio uniform in the regular season and 15.6 points and 6.0 assists per game in the playoffs.
For now, it appears the Spurs will keep Fox despite having Harper and Stephon Castle, two players who are younger and cheaper. However, Fox’s name will undoubtedly come up in trade rumors during the 2027 NBA trade deadline.
Fox, represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, enters next season with career averages of 21.1 points and 6.1 assists per game in the regular season and 18.5 points and 6.4 assists per game in the playoffs. He turns 29 in December.
On paper, the operational logic for San Antonio in this trade idea centers on positional optimization around generational big man Victor Wembanyama. Moving Fox rebalances the backcourt, allowing young talent like Castle and Harper to step into definitive playmaking roles without overlapping usage.
Meanwhile, Murphy III represents an ideal modern 3-and-D wing whose elite volume shooting, off-ball gravity and defensive length fit seamlessly alongside Wembanyama to open up driving lanes.
Bringing back Murray provides high-level veteran playmaking and perimeter defense off the bench, while the matching ~ $60 million in player salaries keeps San Antonio’s cap structure financially balanced without triggering luxury tax strain.
For New Orleans, this trade represents a complete retooling of their backcourt assets alongside a massive draft overhaul. Acquiring Fox gives the Pelicans a proven All-Star engine capable of collapsing defenses in transition and executing in high-pressure crunch-time situations.
Furthermore, stocking up on two unencumbered first-round picks, two premium pick swaps and three second-rounders equips the Pelicans with immense draft equity to build around their new core or leverage in future trades.
