Background
Two years ago, the Atlanta Hawks acquired Dejounte Murray, hoping he would complement Trae Young by bolstering their defense and providing additional playmaking. However, the experiment hasn’t yielded the expected results. The Hawks have not won a playoff series with Murray, and their performance with both Murray and Young on the floor has been underwhelming. Consequently, the Hawks are re-evaluating their options and considering trading Murray.
Why Dejounte Murray is in Trade Rumors
The Murray-Young pairing hasn’t worked as intended. Despite Murray’s impressive individual stats in Young’s absence, the duo together has struggled, leading to a net negative impact on the team. Additionally, Murray’s defensive performance has declined significantly since his All-Defense selection in the 2017-18 season. Given these challenges and Young’s established role as the team’s offensive leader, trading Murray appears to be the simpler solution for the Hawks.
Why the Hawks Might Keep Him
Head coach Quin Snyder reportedly advocated for keeping Murray at the trade deadline. Murray’s versatility, size, and relatively lower salary compared to Young make him a more flexible piece for building a team. With the new CBA’s financial restrictions, Murray’s $114 million contract over the next four years is considered a bargain, especially compared to the escalating costs associated with Young and other players on the roster.
Potential Trade Destinations
1. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans, in need of a point guard, previously expressed interest in Murray. A trade involving Brandon Ingram could balance both teams’ rosters, with Ingram addressing the Hawks’ wing needs and Murray filling the Pelicans’ playmaking void. This deal would also help the Pelicans manage their tax issues, although it might create financial challenges for the Hawks if Ingram extends his contract.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers explored acquiring Murray at the trade deadline and now have more assets to offer. Murray’s connection to Klutch Sports and his fit with LeBron James and Anthony Davis make this an intriguing option. The Lakers need to improve defensively, and Murray could provide an upgrade over D’Angelo Russell if he returns to his Spurs-era form.
3. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are seeking a superstar to pair with Mikal Bridges, and while Donovan Mitchell remains their top target, Murray could be a viable alternative. Trading for Murray would improve the Nets’ guard depth without depleting their trade assets, allowing them to pursue further upgrades in the future.
Latest Reporting
While much of the trade speculation has focused on Trae Young, there are significant developments regarding Murray. The Jazz reportedly declined a trade offer for Murray involving young guard Keyonte George. Meanwhile, the Pelicans and other teams have shown interest, considering Murray’s value potentially higher than Young’s in certain contexts. This suggests a reasonable market for Murray this offseason, indicating a possible trade could materialize.
Conclusion
Dejounte Murray’s future with the Hawks is uncertain as the team reevaluates its backcourt dynamics. With various teams, including the Lakers, expressing interest, Murray could find himself in a new uniform next season. Whether the Hawks decide to retain him or make a trade will significantly impact their strategic direction and roster composition moving forward.
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