As the NBA buzzes with trade rumours, the Atlanta Hawks have reportedly made Dejounte Murray “widely available.” Multiple teams are already interested in the 27-year-old, and a deal could manifest before the trade deadline on February 8.
The Hawks currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 14-20 record. Murray, a pending unrestricted free agent, is averaging 20.9 PPG on 47/39/83 splits, 2.4 3PM, 5.1 APG, 4.5 RPG, and 1.4 SPG in his second season with Atlanta.
NBA Rumours: Potential Dejounte Murray Trade Destinations
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled since winning the In-Season Tournament, going 3-10 in that stretch. They’ve tried adjusting their lineup, namely by benching D’Angelo Russell, but they’ve continued to lose. Reports have surfaced that there is also growing tension between head coach Darvin Ham and the team. Ultimately, the Lakers need to make a change, and Murray could help get things back on track.
Due to Atlanta’s lofty asking price, Los Angeles will have to give up several assets. According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Hawks want more than just Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. However, the Lakers are reportedly not including Reaves in trade talks, but things could always change. It’s more likely that Hachimura, Max Christie, and other players will make a package, although it may not be enough. Another deal could center around Russell, who is reportedly on the market. He doesn’t exactly suit Atlanta’s needs, but he’s a player who could be flipped.
Zach LaVine was also named a target for the Lakers, so the team seems set on adding a guard by the deadline. Murray appears to be a solid fit to replace the struggling Russell, as he plays better when he has more control in the backcourt. The guard would also be the third option, allowing him to make a bigger impact on the defensive end through his rebounding and disruptiveness. Murray also provides a scoring boost for a Los Angeles team with a bottom-10 offence in the league.
Philadelphia 76ers
Another team looking to make a blockbuster trade is the Philadelphia 76ers. Even with the loss of James Harden in October, the team has thrived thanks to the breakout of Tyrese Maxey. Still, the Sixers are looking to add another piece to help get them past the Conference Semifinals this year.
As a result of the Harden trade, Philadelphia gained several assets, which created a crowded frontcourt. However, some of these players could be used in a deal. Pieces like Robert Covington, Marcus Morris Sr., and Nicolas Batum could provide a veteran presence for Atlanta, or they could be flipped. The 76ers could also include younger players who don’t receive many minutes but have potential, such as Jaden Springer and KJ Martin.
General manager Daryl Morey is said to be looking for “a two-way player with playmaking capabilities,” which matches Murray’s build. He is a solid shot-creator, playmaker, and defender. The Sixers are also reported to no longer be pursuing LaVine or Pascal Siakam, meaning a trade for Murray is more viable. However, questions arise about his fit alongside Maxey and whether Philadelphia will agree to his price tag.
New York Knicks
Even after acquiring OG Anunoby, the New York Knicks are interested in adding another star. They are also rumoured to have their sights set on a two-way player to help upgrade their roster. As they look to make a deep playoff run, the Anunoby move appears to be the first domino to fall.
Evan Fournier is one player who may be included in a deal, as he is in the final year of his contract. The sharpshooter has fallen out of the rotation, only appearing in two games this season. It’s increasingly likely that he’ll be traded before the end of the season, and it could be to Atlanta. Quentin Grimes is another potential trade chip. He’s taken a step back this year and is playing almost 10 fewer minutes per game than last season. Grimes has flashed some potential with increased opportunities, but he doesn’t appear to have a significant role with the Knicks. New York also has plenty of draft capital to help sweeten the deal.
Like the 76ers, the main concern with adding Murray for the Knicks is how he would pair with Jalen Brunson. Murray should help ease the playmaking burden while boosting a team with a top-15 offence and defence. Brunson isn’t known for his defensive capabilities, so Murray could help strengthen their backcourt.
The Last Word on a Dejounte Murray Trade
Ultimately, the Hawks acquiring Murray from the San Antonio Spurs in 2022 didn’t work out as they had hoped. He doesn’t fit well alongside Trae Young, and the team’s overall success has been limited to a first-round playoff exit. Moreover, Young and breakout player Jalen Johnson are reportedly untouchable as Atlanta looks to build around them.
The list of teams interested in the guard extends well beyond the Lakers, 76ers, and Knicks. These teams are headlining trade talks, but the Hawks are open to exploring their options. Ultimately, it seems increasingly likely that Murray will find himself in a new uniform soon.
