One NBA writer believes the Miami Heat should try to trade for Atlanta Hawks point guard Dejounte Murray this offseason.
Quenton Albertie of ClutchPoints thinks Murray could help the Heat win a championship next season.
“That being said, Murray is the better fit for the Miami Heat, especially with his defensive ability,” Albertie wrote. “Averaging no fewer than 20.5 points, 6.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game over the past two seasons, Murray provides the Heat with a star point guard, a player that could be an All-Star or All-Defensive selection in any given season.
“The best trade between Miami and Atlanta should see the Heat send Tyler Herro, Vit Krejci and Tyrese Martin to the Hawks in exchange for Murray. Both teams would be better off for it. The Heat don’t have to alter their identity or change their pecking order with Murray. The Hawks would receive a high-level shooter that needs the ball a bit less than Murray next to Young.”
The Heat lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Finals in five games. Pat Riley is expected to be aggressive this offseason as he attempts to improve the roster around stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks & Miami Heat Updates
Murray averaged 20.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists for the Hawks this past season while shooting 46.4% from the field, 34.4% from beyond the arc and 83.2% from the free-throw line. The guard signed a four-year, $64 million rookie extension with the Spurs in October 2019. He will make $17.7 million next season.
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Murray could be traded by the Hawks this offseason. The All-Star may not be open to an extension limited to a $25.4 million starting salary.
“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 & Miami Heat Updates
The Hawks acquired Murray from the San Antonio Spurs last offseason. It will be interesting to see where Murray is playing next season.
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