Some teams around the NBA look primed to make a trade. Some of them look primed to make a trade with each other. For example, look at the Atlanta Hawks and the Toronto Raptors. The Hawks eventually trading for the Raptors’ Pascal Siakam has become a foregone conclusion.
If each team’s opening night was any indication, it may not be one. Sure, we shouldn’t overreact to opening night results. Still, if each team has shown their true colors, the Raptors may be more competitive under a new head coach.
On the other hand, it could be the Hawks who are looking to sell as the season wears on. After all, Atlanta was disappointing in 2022-23 as well.
Trae Young and Dejounte Murray may be simply not a good fit together. In that event, the Hawks may want to move one or the other.
Could they send Murray to the Raptors?
NBA Trade Proposal — Toronto Raptors Land Dejounte Murray
Atlanta Hawks receive: G/F Gary Trent Jr., F/C Chris Boucher, 2026 First-Round Pick (TOR), 2028 First-Round Pick (TOR)
Toronto Raptors receive: G Dejounte Murray
How much can a coaching change influence a team? Well, at times, it can be revolutionary. It’s possible that a team needs a new voice in the locker room. On the other hand, at times, it simply isn’t enough.
The roster is still the roster. In the end, the games are played on the floor. A new coach can implement a new system. That can maximize the players on the roster.
With that said, if the players simply aren’t good enough, no coach can fix them. Moreover, if players simply aren’t a good fit together, it’s possible that no system can make them work.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors Updates
There are on-paper problems between Murray and Young. Young is a ball-dominant point guard, and Murray is not a floor spacer. It’s possible that this dynamic will prove to be untenable in time.
If it does, should the Hawks move Murray?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
The Hawks can’t do this deal until closer to the deadline. They just extended Murray, so there are trade restrictions in play now. That’s perfect. The Hawks should give themselves a half-season to see if they can turn things around anyway.
Let’s say that they can’t. In that event, this deal could be perfect for the Hawks. Trent Jr. is exactly the type of backcourt partner who should complement Young.
He’s a solid defender in his own right and a knockdown shooter. Meanwhile, adding Boucher as a floor-spacing big man would diversify the Hawks’ frontcourt rotation.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors Updates
Yet, the main purpose here is to add a pair of first-round picks. The Hawks are making up most of the draft capital that they spent on Murray in this deal. That will give them some flexibility moving forward.
Should the Raptors afford them that flexibility?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors should wait to make a deal like this one as well. Sure, they beat the Timberwolves in their season opener. Let’s see if their winning ways hold before we encourage them to make a major move.
After all, the Raptors could be up against a financial crunch soon. Siakam and OG Anunoby will both need extensions shortly. If the Raptors are mediocre this season, they should be looking to increase their own financial flexibility and trade one or both of them for assets.
On the other hand, if they’re playing well, they may want to make a trade like this one. Point guard is a hole on this roster. Murray is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA, and a capable playmaker as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors Updates
He’d make this team better, and if the Raptors are good enough, they may opt to figure the money out later. Either way, don’t be surprised if this team makes a trade this season.
