The Atlanta Hawks are open for business. Who could blame them? The 2023-24 NBA season hasn’t been kind to them. Whatever goals that Atlanta had, they surely haven’t accomplished them throughout this season.
It’s being rumored that the front office is well aware of that fact. It’s been said that they could look to make a trade or two as the deadline approaches. Meanwhile, the most popular trade target on this team has likely been Dejounte Murray.
After all, Murray is having a strong individual season. He simply doesn’t seem to fit alongside Trae Young. With that in mind, the Hawks could look to move on from the talented guard. Here are three teams that we think should at least take a look at him.
New York Knicks
We’re not alone in our thinking here. The New York Knicks have been frequently linked to Murray. It’s rumored that this front office has a strong interest in him.
Why shouldn’t they? The Knicks would be interested in Murray for the same reasons that the Hawks were. He provides some size in the frontcourt to compensate for a smaller partner. Jalen Brunson, like Trae Young, is a bit undersized and can be exploited on the defensive end.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks Updates
With that said, the fit between Murray and Young has not been good. They both need the ball to succeed. Brunson is less ball-dominant than Young, but he still operates best with the rock in his hands.
Is there a team with a more glaring need for Murray?
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers won’t be concerned about Murray’s fit alongside D’Angelo Russell. Simply put, Murray is a significantly better player. If they’re a poor fit, the Lakers will simply minimize Russell.
Yet, Murray has to fit alongside LeBron James. We think the Lakers could make it work. James is among the smartest players in NBA history. He can typically figure it out with a talented teammate. Moreover, Murray is having a career year from deep. This should work.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Will it work for the Hawks? That’s a different question. The Lakers are light on draft capital – they may not have a competitive offer for Murray. Is there a suitor who can make a realistic deal?
Toronto Raptors
The two teams above are commonly linked to Murray. Here, we’re thinking a little outside of the box. It’s more difficult to find articles suggesting that the Toronto Raptors should make a move for Murray.
Fair enough. The Raptors are having an underwhelming season for the second consecutive year. In all likelihood, they’ll be sellers at the deadline. Still, we think they could keep an open mind.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors Updates
What if this team is a guard away from being competitive? Murray could be the perfect addition. He’s got the positional size that Toronto seems to value, and he plays on both ends of the floor. Could the Raptors be open for business?
