NBA sources reportedly have conflicting views on how close the Atlanta Hawks are to trading former All-Star guard Dejounte Murray.
The Hawks don’t have to be in a rush to trade Murray, as he has an upcoming contract extension that runs through the 2026-27 season (and has a player option for the 2027-28 season) which is worth more than $114 million.
Atlanta has gotten off to a slow start this season, sitting in the No. 11 spot in the Eastern Conference with a 15-23 record. The Athletic’s John Hollinger explained where things stand for the Hawks on players like Murray, forward De’Andre Hunter and center Clint Capela.
“League sources say the Hawks have had continued chatter on potential Murray deals,” Hollinger wrote. “Some will tell you they’re getting close to the finish line, while others will say the Hawks are still on a fishing expedition to determine the trade value for him and other key players (such as Hunter and Capela).
“The overly optimistic extensions for Capela (one more year left at $22.2 million) and Hunter (three years left after this one for a total of $70 million) also have handcuffed the Hawks’ team-building. Part of the appeal of trading Murray just months after he agreed to a four-year, $114 million extension is that his contract could be the bait to stuff Capela or especially Hunter into a deal.”
This season, Murray is averaging 21.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from beyond the arc. The 3-point percentage is Murray’s highest mark since his rookie season, when he also shot 39.1 percent from 3.
A former All-Defensive selection and All-Star, Murray certainly could be a coveted asset via trade if Atlanta tries to move on from him.
The Hawks may look at Murray as a piece that can get the team off a bad contract or help it rebuild the roster to best fit around star guard Trae Young.
It was reported recently that Murray and his camp view the Brooklyn Nets as an ideal trade destination. It’s possible that he would like a chance to be the lead guard in an offense again after sharing a backcourt with Young since the start of the 2022-23 season.
Atlanta doesn’t have to be in a rush to trade Murray due to his contract, but it’s possible the team wants to move on from him sooner rather than later to maximize his value and gain roster clarity moving forward.
Murray’s market should become clearer as the trade deadline approaches this season.
