Spurs Draft Harper, Eye Murphy for Wing Depth

The San Antonio Spurs entered the offseason with roster-building momentum, using a draft-day jump to select guard Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick and then engaging in trade conversations aimed at adding veteran wing depth, including interest in New Orleans forward Trey Murphy III. The moves underline the franchise's urgency to turn its young core into a contender ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Harper, a 6-foot-6 guard out of Rutgers who averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists last season, was acquired after the Spurs moved up six spots on draft night. The 19-year-old said he expects to earn minutes and is prepared to accept a supporting role early in his career. "James Harden was with the Thunder and came off the bench for 34 years waiting his turn so everyone gotta wait for theirs," Harper said when asked about coming off the bench, adding that he is ready to grow into the rotation.

That young core already includes All-Star center Victor Wembanyama, newly re-signed point guard DeAaron Fox and last season's Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, as well as 14th pick Carter Bryant. The influx of backcourt talent has created a potential logjam, prompting Spurs...