Some NBA teams are in an odd place. They find themselves in a sort of purgatory. They’re not contenders, but they aren’t rebuilding, either. These are the league’s in-between teams.
The Brooklyn Nets are one of them. This roster is uniquely constructed. The Nets are stacked with quality defensive players, but they don’t have an offensive focal point. They should be competitive next year, but they’re unlikely to contend for the NBA title.
Neither are the Atlanta Hawks. Still, this team has a lot of talent. With that said, there’s one key distinction between these clubs. The Nets have one of the best collections of draft capital in the NBA, whereas the Hawks are a bit low on picks. Could they replenish their collection by sending Dejounte Murray to the Nets?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F Cameron Johnson, F/C Day’Ron Sharpe, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Dejounte Murray
Why are the Hawks so light on draft capital? Well, it’s from trading for Murray in the first place. They sent the Spurs three unprotected first-round picks in exchange for Murray. Was it worth it?
It’s hard to say. Murray joins Trae Young to form one of the most talented backcourts in the NBA. In theory, the pair makes some sense. Young is a notoriously poor defender, and Murray is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. There’s a compliment between their skills to that extent.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Dejounte Murrya, Brooklyn Nets & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Offensively? That’s a different story. We’ll expand on that later. Still, the Hawks’ record in 2022-23 spoke for itself. This team underperformed. Could they really trade Murray as a result?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Time to expand on the fit between Young and Murray. Frankly, we don’t like it. Young is a ball-dominant playmaker. He’s also one of the best in the NBA – the Hawks don’t want to move him off of the ball. Unfortunately, Murray is a subpar shooter who doesn’t complement Young when he’s controlling the offense.
This didn’t look like it would work last year. It may not work last year. Cutting ties with the experiment so quickly may sting for the Hawks, but it may be best for all parties. Of course, they’ll have to get a strong return for such a good young player.
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They’re getting one here. Johnson is one of the best shooting wings in the NBA, and a solid defender to boot. He’ll be a perfect compliment too Young. Meanwhile, the Hawks replenish some of the draft capital they gave up in the Murray deal here as well. Should the Nets send it to them?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
We think so. The Nets may have a deep collection of draft capital. That’s great. They don’t control their own draft. The Nets, whether outright or via swap, owe their first-round picks to the Houston Rockets through to 2027. This team has no incentive to tank.
What type of pick would they send the Rockets as currently constructed? We’re not sure. It could be a lottery pick, or it could be in the late teens. One thing is certain: it’s unlikely to be at the bottom of the draft. The Nets are not one of the best teams in the NBA. Would they be if they acquired Murray?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Dejounte Murrya, Brooklyn Nets & Atlanta Hawks Updates
That might be an overstatement. Still, this team looks dangerous after this deal. Between Mikal Bridges, Royce O’Neale and Dorian Finney-Smith, they can withstand the loss of Johnson. Meanwhile, Murray can orchestrate their offense without compromising their defense by one iota. All told, he could take this team out of this weird place – and into a good one. ‘
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