An anonymous member of the Atlanta Hawks told NBA writer Keith Smith of Spotrac that the franchise is “incredibly excited” Dejounte Murray signed a four-year, $120 million extension. A few teams called Atlanta about potentially trading for Murray this offseason, but the Hawks were never seriously interested in parting ways with the All-Star guard.
“We’re incredibly excited Dejounte Murray signed his extension,” the anonymous Hawks member said. “Was the fit perfect last season with Trae Young? No. But you saw what it could be by the end of the year. Those guys will make it work, because they are both too good to not make it work.”
Young is very happy the Hawks signed Murray to an extension, sources told NBA Analysis Network. Young “loves” playing with Murray. The superstar was notified about the Murray extension before it became public and was thrilled a deal was reached, sources said.
Murray averaged 20.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists last season while shooting 46.4% from the field, 34.4% from beyond the arc and 83.2% from the free-throw line. He and Young helped Atlanta win 41 games. Young put up 26.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game while shooting 42.9% overall, 33.5% from 3 and 88.6% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks Updates
The Hawks were 35-32 when Young and Murray were in the lineup last season. Atlanta 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.
Atlanta reached the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals but has lost in the first round of the playoffs in the last two years.
With Young and Murray set to be on the Hawks for the foreseeable future, the organization should look to acquire a third star so the team can make a deep run in the postseason. Atlanta has been trying to trade for Toronto Raptors All-Star Pascal Siakam all summer, sources said.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks Updates
The Hawks made a blockbuster trade earlier this offseason, trading John Collins to the Utah Jazz. It will be fascinating to see if Atlanta is able to land Siakam or another star soon.
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