One NBA writer thinks the Atlanta Hawks should extend Dejounte Murray this offseason instead of trading the All-Star guard.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report has urged the Hawks to sign Murray to an extension since “talent is talent.”
“The fit between Trae Young and Dejounte Murray was far from perfect in Year 1, but talent is talent,” Bailey wrote. “And a max extension for Murray, based on his previous contract, would come in well below the max salary an unrestricted free agent of his experience could command.
“If the Atlanta Hawks could talk him into a four-year, $111.1 million extension, they’d likely be ecstatic. Twenty-plus points and six-plus assists on that salary and under a rising salary cap would have plenty of value.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report recently reported that Murray “could be had in the right deal.” The Hawks acquired Murray from the San Antonio Spurs last offseason. The 26-year-old averaged 20.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 2022-23 while shooting 46.4% from the field, 34.4% from beyond the arc and 83.2% from the free-throw line.
“The Hawks are facing a more immediate problem under the new CBA, with a payroll projected to be $172 million and $16.4 million in luxury taxes (more if players hit various incentives). The team is believed to be looking for a home for John Collins, but some whispers abound that Dejounte Murray could be had in the right deal,” Pincus wrote.
“Murray is due $18.2 million this season but may not be open to an extension limited to a $25.4 million starting salary. Unless Atlanta can shed significant salary elsewhere, they may not be able to afford Murray at his current price, let alone on a new deal in his likely asking range above $30 million.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Murray signed a four-year, $64 million rookie extension with the Spurs in October 2019. He will make $17.7 million next season.
The Hawks lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in six games. Murray didn’t play in Game 5 since he was suspended for making inappropriate contact with and verbally abusing a game official during Game 4.
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