Amidst their slow start, the Atlanta Hawks are reportedly looking to tackle star guard Dejounte Murray. Per NBA Insider Marc Stein, the Hawks will „explore their trade options” ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline.
Murray is in his second season with the Hawks after being acquired from the San Antonio Spurs in the 2022 offseason. He has provided Atlanta with consistent all-around production as a two-way guard.
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Through 29 games, he averaged 20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.3 3-pointers per game on 46.0% shooting.
The Hawks went just 12-17 under Murray's production after finishing 41-41 last season. However, after recently signing a four-year, $120.1 million extension, he remains under contract through the 2026-27 season with a player option for the 2027-28 season.
Therefore, Atlanta should have a prime opportunity to sell high on Murray. On that note, here are five realistic landing spots for the former All-Star:
Realistic Trade Places for Dejounte Murray
#5. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are a team interested in DeJaunet Murray, per Michael Scott of HoopsHype. Additionally, SportsNet NewYork's Ian Beckley said some members of the organization consider him a „great trade target”.
The Knicks (17-12) have long been in the hunt for another star. So, maybe Murray is the player that will help them rise out of the middle tier of the Eastern Conference.
Murray sits next to star guard Jalen Brunson in New York's backcourt, forming a Big 3 with star forward Julius Randle. However, since they lack a true superstar, this move may not be enough to make the Knicks title contenders.
As for what New York could give up, any package could include expiring veteran shooting guard Evan Fournier and draft picks. Young prospects like Emmanuel Quigley and Quentin Grimes could also be included.
NBA Trading Engine: Can the New York Knicks acquire Dejounte Murray by selling key assets like RJ Barrett & Emmanuel Quigley?
#4. Toronto Raptors
Like the Hawks, the Toronto Raptors need a shakeup after a disappointing 11-18 start. Having traded a top-six defense last season to the Spurs, their 2024 first-round pick won't be there. Therefore, Toronto will be motivated to improve.
The Raptors have been involved in several trade rumors involving two-way forward OG Anunoby and star forward Pascal Siakam. Meanwhile, they have one of the weakest point guard rotations in the league, featuring veteran Dennis Schroder and backup Malachi Flynn.
Therefore, the Raptors are a logical trade destination for Dejounte Murray, as they can flip one of their forwards for a playmaker with starting potential. This will help build Scottie Barnes' rising star and challenge for a play-in/playoff spot.
#3. Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have recently been mentioned in trade rumors involving players such as Chicago Bulls star shooting guard Zach LaVine. Therefore, the Sixers could be interested in acquiring DeJonde Murray to join their backcourt with rising star guard Tyrese Maxey.
Philly (20-8) could offer forward Tobias Harris' expiring contract and draft compensation. Likewise, the Sixers could pick up the expiring contracts of players like Nicolas Badum, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris or D'Anthony Melton.
A deal would give the Phillies a Big 3 consisting of Maxey, Murray and superstar center Joel Embiid. It could elevate the Sixers among the league's premier title contenders.
#2. OKC Thunder
Anytime a star player is available, the OKC Thunder are always a realistic trade destination. The Thunder have the largest war chest of draft picks in the league. Meanwhile, they continue to climb the Western Conference.
So, OKC (18-9) could easily flip some of its picks with the forward Davis Bertans deal for Dejaunde Murray. Prospects like Josh Gidde, Cason Wallace or Usman Dieng could also be included.
The move will help the Thunder bolster their roster around superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and rookie sensation Chet Holmgren and elevate them to contention.
#1. Miami Heat
Another team that continues to be in the hunt for another star is the Miami Heat. Star point guards Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday had a breakout season this past season. So, they might be interested in a move for Dejounte Murray to bolster their backline.
The Heat could offer a package centered around the expiring contract of veteran point guard Kyle Lowry and picks. They could give the Hawks a forward like Caleb Martin and a prospect like Nikola Jovic.
A trade for Murray could be a move that could help Miami (17-12) return to the NBA Finals despite a disappointing season.
read more: „Bias with Derrick”: DeJaunt Murray once called out Gregg Popovich for bias involving Derrick White
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