The vibe in San Antonio is different right now. You can feel it. For years, the conversation was about tanking, "Picks for the future," and how many pounds Victor Wembanyama could put on in an offseason. Not anymore. Now, the San Antonio Spurs news rumors are actually about winning games in May and June.
It’s January 2026. The Spurs are sitting at a cool 27-13, good for the second seed in the Western Conference. They are chasing the Oklahoma City Thunder. Honestly, it’s wild how fast this turned. But with the February 5 trade deadline looming, the rumor mill is spinning faster than a Wemby spin move in the paint.
Everyone wants to know if Brian Wright is going to push his chips into the middle.
The New Orleans "No" and the Trey Murphy Situation
For weeks, the loudest San Antonio Spurs news rumors involved a potential heist of the New Orleans Pelicans' roster. Fans were dreaming of Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones. It made sense on paper. The Spurs have the assets, and the Pelicans looked like they might be ready to pivot.
But then the hammer dropped.
Reliable reports, including some noise from Chris Haynes, suggest New Orleans has basically shut the door. They aren't moving Murphy. They aren't moving Herb. And they definitely aren't moving Zion. Apparently, the offers coming in were "lowballs," and the Pelicans decided to take their ball and go home.
This kinda sucks for San Antonio. Murphy is on a four-year, $112 million deal that looks like a steal right now. He’s exactly what Wembanyama needs: a high-volume spacer who doesn't fall asleep on defense. If the Spurs really want him, they’ll have to overpay. We're talking multiple firsts and maybe a young piece they actually like.
Is he worth it? Maybe. But the Spurs are playing it cool.
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Why Lauri Markkanen is the Name That Won’t Die
If the Pelicans are out, the Utah Jazz are always... well, they’re always the Jazz. Danny Ainge is probably sitting in an office somewhere waiting for a desperate GM to call.
Lauri Markkanen is having a monster season, averaging nearly 28 points. The latest hypothetical packages being discussed in league circles are massive. We’re talking De’Aaron Fox, Kelly Olynyk, and multiple first-round picks (including those juicy Atlanta Hawks picks the Spurs own).
That’s a lot to give up.
De’Aaron Fox has been great for the Spurs' culture. Moving him for Markkanen creates a different kind of team. You’d have a frontcourt of Wembanyama and Markkanen that would be a nightmare to guard. But you’d lose that veteran point guard stability. It’s a classic "win now" versus "build steady" dilemma.
The Jeremy Sochan Crossroads
We have to talk about Jeremy Sochan. It’s been a rough ride lately.
Once the "Point Sochan" experiment ended, everyone expected him to settle in as the defensive glue guy. Instead, he’s seen his minutes tank. He’s barely in the rotation some nights. There was a stretch in December where he didn't score for four straight games.
- He’s averaging about 6 points and 3 rebounds.
- He’s been a DNP-CD (Did Not Play - Coach's Decision) multiple times.
- His name is at the top of every "Spurs trade piece" list.
The reality? Sochan might just be the odd man out. With the arrival of Dylan Harper and the continued growth of Stephon Castle, the roster is getting crowded. If the Spurs make a move for a shooter, Sochan is almost certainly the salary filler—or the "sweetener" for a rebuilding team like Utah or Washington.
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The Hidden Gem: The Luke Kornet Factor
While everyone is obsessing over superstars, the Spurs' front office quietly pulled off a brilliant move last summer. They signed Luke Kornet.
People laughed. They called it a "nothing" move.
They were wrong.
Kornet has been starting games and playing 25 minutes a night. Why? Because he allows Wembanyama to be Wembanyama. By having a massive body like Kornet to bang in the post and chase offensive rebounds (he’s averaging 3.1 offensive boards!), Wemby can float. He can preserve his energy.
The Spurs are 10-3 in games where Wembanyama rests and Kornet plays. That is an insane stat. It’s the kind of "boring" roster building that actually wins titles.
Looking at the 2026 Draft War Chest
The Spurs aren't just good on the court; they are terrifying in the boardroom. Because of the Dejounte Murray trade years ago, San Antonio owns the Atlanta Hawks' 2026 first-round pick. Unprotected.
The Hawks are hovering around the play-in. If they slide, the Spurs could legitimately have a top-five pick while simultaneously being the second seed in the West. That is a "Dynasty Starter Pack" if I've ever seen one.
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Rumors are already swirling about Karim Lopez, the Mexican phenom playing in New Zealand. He’s 6'9", can handle the ball, and hits the three. Putting him next to Wembanyama, Castle, and Harper? That’s just unfair.
What Should the Spurs Actually Do?
Look, Brian Wright doesn't usually panic. He’s patient. But the West is open.
The latest San Antonio Spurs news rumors from ESPN’s Michael C. Wright suggest the team might just look for bench shooting. They don't necessarily need a blockbuster. They need a guy who can hit 40% of his threes when Wemby gets doubled.
Keep an eye on Harrison Barnes. He’s a veteran, his contract is tradable, and while he had a great shooting year last season, his role is shrinking. He could be moved to a contender for a younger bench piece or a couple of second-rounders.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the deadline, here is what you need to watch for. Don't get distracted by the "Giannis to San Antonio" clickbait; that’s not happening this year.
- Monitor the Pelicans' Record: If New Orleans hits a losing streak before Feb 5, the Trey Murphy talks might reopen.
- Watch the Hawks' Standings: Every time Atlanta loses, the Spurs' 2026 draft stock goes up. This is a massive trade chip.
- Check the Injury Reports: Wembanyama has had some minor knee and calf issues this season. If he stays healthy, the Spurs won't feel pressured to overpay for a "savior."
- The Sochan Watch: If he stays on the bench for another two weeks, expect a trade. A fresh start in a place like Detroit or Charlotte makes too much sense for both sides.
The Spurs are ahead of schedule. They have the superstar. They have the depth. They have the picks. Now they just need to decide if they're ready to go for the throat or if they're content letting this young core simmer for one more spring. Either way, the "boring" years in San Antonio are officially over.