Victor Wembanyama just signed a five-year, $252 million extension and opted out of the escalator clause that could have pushed it near $303 million, saving the San Antonio Spurs roughly $50 million in extra breathing room, which gives the front office more flexibility to build around their superstar without constantly worrying about the luxury tax.
This isn’t a team that’s trying to climb out of the lottery either. The Spurs went 62-20 last season, secured the No. 2 seed in the West, and made it all the way to the NBA Finals before falling to the Knicks. Wembanyama himself had a monster year, averaging 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks while winning Defensive Player of the Year and earning All-NBA First Team honors. San Antonio already has a legitimate contender. Now, thanks to Wemby’s team-friendly deal, they have the financial space to go chase another high-impact player.
According to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News, the Spurs had expressed interest in Trey Murphy III and Michael Porter Jr. before the deadline, though the asking prices were steep. Those two would probably be hard to get at this moment, but it’s an aggressive idea worth exploring.
Here are three blockbuster trades the Spurs could realistically pursue now that Wembanyama has given them more long-term flexibility.
3. Paolo Banchero
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Paolo Banchero
Orlando Magic Receive: Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell, Tarris Reed Jr., 2027 first-round pick (via Hawks), 2031 first-round pick
This would be the toughest pill for Spurs fans to swallow, mainly because Dylan Harper has legitimate star potential. That’s also why the Magic would seriously consider it. San Antonio can’t lowball a 23-year-old former No. 1 overall pick with Keldon Johnson, late picks, and bench players.
Paolo Banchero put up 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 72 games last season, shooting 45.9% from the field. He showed his superstar flashes in the playoffs, dropping 38 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in a Game 7 loss to the Pistons. Still, the Magic went just 45-37, finished eighth in the East, and needed the Play-In just to reach the postseason.
That early exit should push Orlando to re-evaluate the supporting cast around Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane. The talent is undeniable, but spacing has been inconsistent, and the long-term money committed to that core is significant.
Dylan Harper would give them a high-upside lead guard, Devin Vassell would replace some of Banchero’s scoring and shooting, and the unprotected 2027 Hawks pick could turn into a major asset. Tarris Reed Jr. helps make the salaries work once Banchero’s extension kicks in around $41.5 million.
For the Spurs, Banchero would bring a creator they currently lack. De’Aaron Fox handles perimeter creation, and Wembanyama can score from anywhere, but a 6-foot-10 forward who can bully mismatches, create from the elbows, and make tough shots late in the clock would be a game-changer. The shooting fit isn’t perfect, but Wembanyama’s ability to space the floor and erase mistakes on defense makes the pairing workable.
A lineup of Fox, Stephon Castle, Julian Champagnie, Banchero, and Wembanyama would give San Antonio four very different creators. It would hurt to lose Harper, but this is the kind of package it takes to land a young All-Star forward.
2. Michael Porter Jr.
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Devin Vassell, Luke Kornet, Carter Bryant, 2030 first-round pick (swap), 2031 first-round pick
Michael Porter Jr. is the most realistic target here because the Spurs already showed interest before the deadline, per Jeff McDonald. Brooklyn’s price was too high then, but with Porter entering the final year of his deal, the situation has evolved.
Porter just had the best season of his career, averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 52 games while shooting 46.3% from the field and 36.3% from three. A left hamstring strain cut his season short, which is another reminder of his lengthy injury history.
The Nets went 20-62 and finished 13th in the East. Porter helped them stay competitive when healthy, but a rebuilding team has to consider trading an expiring $40.8 million veteran rather than letting him walk for nothing in free agency.
Vassell would give the Nets a young starting wing, Carter Bryant, a developmental piece, and Kornet, a salary filler plus veteran presence. The 2030 swap and 2031 pick provide long-term upside without forcing San Antonio to part with Castle or Harper.
This would be expensive for what could be a one-year rental, so the Spurs would need strong belief that Porter is open to an extension. On the court, though, the fit is nearly perfect. At 6-foot-10, he shoots with minimal space needed and can knock down shots over every defender.
Fox and Wembanyama would create advantages, and Porter would feast on the attention they draw. His rebounding would also help a sometimes small Spurs lineup, and while his defense isn’t elite, Wembanyama covers a lot of mistakes. Porter already knows how to play off a superstar big man from his time with Nikola Jokic. He wouldn’t need to change much, just make open threes and punish help defenders.
1. Trey Murphy III
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Trey Murphy III
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Devin Vassell, 2027 first-round pick (via Hawks), 2029 first-round pick (swap), 2031 first-round pick
Trey Murphy III feels like the cleanest and most complete target for San Antonio. He’s only 26, contributes on both ends, doesn’t demand the ball, and has three years left on a four-year, $112 million deal. His salary starts around $27.0 million and rises to about $31.0 million in 2028-29, very reasonable for a player of his caliber.
Murphy had a breakout season with a lackluster New Orleans squad, averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 47.0% from the field and 37.9% from three. He’s evolved beyond a spot-up shooter, now attacking closeouts, finishing in transition, and defending multiple positions with his 6-foot-8 frame.
The Pelicans finished 26-56 and 11th in the West, making it clear that major changes are coming, or at least are widely expected given their rough shape. Murphy is young enough to be part of a rebuild, which explains why New Orleans has set such a high price on him. This package focuses on quality assets: an unprotected 2027 Hawks pick that could be very valuable, San Antonio’s own 2031 pick, and a 2029 swap. Vassell is a real starting-caliber player whose salary matches up perfectly at $27.0 million for next season.
Murphy would round out the Spurs’ starting five without disrupting their identity. Fox can create, Castle can guard the opponent’s best guard, Murphy can handle the tough wing matchups, and Wembanyama anchors everything. Offensively, his shooting pulls defenders out, opening lanes for Fox and Wembanyama. He can run with the young guards and finish without slowing the pace.
Banchero offers more individual creation, and Porter is a sharper pure shooter, but Murphy gives the best overall balance. He’s younger than Porter, a better defender than both, and fits seamlessly into almost any lineup. The price would be steep, but that’s exactly why Wembanyama’s discount extension matters. It creates room for moves like this before Castle and Harper hit their next contracts.
If the Spurs are ready to cash in some of their draft capital, Trey Murphy III should be the first name on their call list.
