The NBA’s trade season is officially underway. The first salvo has been fired. The New York Knicks acquired O.G. Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors. Now, the floodgates are opened.
There are plenty of teams around the league who could make a big move. Somehow, the Knicks are still in that group. Anunoby is a massive acquisition, but he’s the type of player you land when you’re ready to compete for a title. As constructed, it doesn’t feel like the Knicks are quite prepared.
Luckily, they still have their assets intact. The Knicks didn’t have to give up any first-round picks to land Anunoby. So they could still make another big move.
Could that move be for Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks?
NBA Trade Proposal: New York Knicks Land Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2025 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2027 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G Dejounte Murray
It wasn’t long ago that the Hawks made a big move. They sent the San Antonio Spurs three first-round picks for Murray just last summer. With that in mind, it’s crazy to talk about them moving him already, isn’t it?
We don’t think so. This is the modern NBA. Player movement has reached an all-time high. When something isn’t working, teams are more inclined to blow it up.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks Updates
After all, nobody will be surprised if a player requests a trade in the meantime. Something isn’t working in Atlanta. Some folks saw this coming. Murray and Young are both ball-dominant, and they don’t feel like a good fit on the offensive end.
Is Murray a better fit in New York?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
It’s debatable. Jalen Brunson is also best with the ball in his hands. Still, he’s less ball-dominant than Young. In all likelihood, Brunson will be more willing to work off the ball when Murray is operating.
Meanwhile, much has been made of Murray’s defensive slip in Atlanta. Those are fair concerns. Still, at one time, this was an elite defensive guard. Isn’t it likely that Tom Thibodeau can help Murray get back to that form?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks Updates
Finally, this deal makes sense from a transactional point of view. The Knicks are clearly in win-now mode, so why not flip an expiring contract and a pair of picks for a player who makes them much more talented?
The Knicks should be interested in Murray – does this transaction make sense for the Hawks?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
The league’s trade market has shifted since the Hawks acquired Murray. There are fewer buyers and more sellers. So, the Hawks aren’t likely to get the same amount of draft capital back for Murray as they sent out for him.
A pair of first-round picks ought to suffice. The Hawks have talent on this roster – and most importantly, they have a franchise player in Young. In time, they could use this new draft capital to trade for a co-star who suits him better than Murray.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks Updates
Otherwise, Atlanta’s cap sheet is a bit messy. Acquiring Fournier helps them clean it up. His contract expires this summer – just in time for another NBA trade season.
