As the NBA trade deadline vastly approaches, several big names have been floating around that could be moved by the deadline on Feb 8th. One player in particular that has drawn some attention is Atlanta Hawks combo guard Dejounte Murray.
NBA Inside reporter Marc Stein reported that the Hawks could explore the trade market for Murray.
The 6 '5 combo guard has been stellar this season; averaging 20.5 points per game, 5.3 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals so far this year.
The Hawks traded for the star guard during the 2022 offseason with the hopes of pairing him with Trae Young to create one of the better dynamic backcourts in the league. A fit that many saw as ideal as the former all-defensive guard could make up for Young defensive deficiencies.
Despite his solid numbers, Murray hasn't quite lived up to expectations, failing to give the Hawks the much-needed defensive spark. It shows as the team currently sits with a 13-19 record this season after nearly two seasons removed from making the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.
If the Hawks decide to move their star guard by Feb 8th, here are several best suitors that can benefit from Murray.
NBA Trade Rumors: Dejounte Murray to the Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly expressed interest in bringing in Murray.
Shams Charania of The Athletic Reporter and Stadium reported that the Lakers team could be one to watch as a potential target for the star guard.
"One more player to keep an eye on, I'm told, is a potential target for the Lakers, Hawks guard Dejounte Murray."
Pairing Murray with LeBron James and Anthony Davis would be ideal for the Lakers, who are currently 17-17 and have been looking lackluster since winning the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament.
He would add another scorer to a team with players only averaging over 15.1 points per game this season. The only two players averaging more are LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Despite the lack of draft assets, not owning their first-round picks until 2029, the Lakers have several pieces they can include in a trade, such as Austin Reeves or D'Angelo Russell.
If the Hawks consider moving on from Murray, the Lakers would be an ideal destination, as he can provide an offensive spark and a much-needed third option on a Laker team that came into the 2023-24 season with championship aspirations.
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NBA Trade Rumors: Dejounte Murray to the Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is another team that could be looking to add another significant piece to aid in their quest for an NBA Championship.
It's no secret the team has constantly failed to get over the hump, coming up empty on several NBA Finals runs over the past few seasons. Dejounte Murray can be that guy to close the gap for them.
Murray can fit into head coach Eric Spoelstra's system with his elite defensive and playmaking abilities, providing another scorer behind Butler and Adebayo.
Does the Heat have enough to make a move to acquire Dejounte Murray?
Miami can likely move any first-round picks they own, along with Tyler Herro or even rookie sensation Jaime Jaquez Jr. in a deal to acquire the dangerous two-way guard.
Though Murray isn't on the level of Damian Lillard, a player they pursued during the offseason, Dejounte could be the guy to help the Heat get over the hump after coming close in previous seasons.
NBA Trade Rumors: Dejounte Murray to the New York Knicks
After making a trade that sent R.J Barrett and Immanuel Quickly to Toronto to acquire Raptors wing O.G Anunoby, The New York Knicks are looking to stay active in the trade market, potentially trying to assemble a package to acquire Murray.
The Knicks have many assets that they can move for a potential Murray trade. This includes all of their first-round picks along with draft assets from the Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards to dangle in front of a Hawks team that is currently out of the play-in Mix.
The Knicks could also move off some expiring contracts in a trade, like Evan Fournier's 18.2 Million dollar contract.
If Murray were to land with the Knicks, he'd be joining a backcourt with ascending star Jalen Brunson and All-Star forward Julius Randle. This provides the Knicks with another scoring threat as well as an elite premier defender to help them compete with the upper echelon of teams in the Eastern Conference, like the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics.
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