Which T-SQL statement should be used to create a copy of a table while minimizing data copying?

Creating a copy of a table while minimizing data copying is typically achieved through methods that avoid duplicating the actual data, focusing instead on the schema or using references. The option that best achieves this is the statement that uses the syntax for creating a table as a clone of another.

This approach allows for the creation of a new table that shares the same structure and properties as the original but does not physically duplicate the data. This is especially efficient because it minimizes the amount of data that needs to be copied, often leveraging underlying storage mechanisms to maintain references to the original data.

The other options primarily focus on methods that require a more substantial copying of data. For instance, using "INSERT INTO" necessitates transferring data rows, while "SELECT INTO" and "CREATE TABLE AS SELECT" create new tables and simultaneously copy data into them. These methods potentially result in significant data transfer, which contrasts with the goal of minimizing copying.

Therefore, the choice using the "CREATE TABLE AS CLONE OF" syntax is the most efficient for creating a table copy without extensive data duplication, aligning perfectly with the objective presented in the question.