The NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching. When the day comes, there will be a flurry of moves. Sure, experts are predicting a quiet deadline – but even a quiet deadline is loud.
Why will it be a quiet deadline? Simple – there are more buyers than sellers. The Victor Wembanyama draft has passed – there are not many tanking teams. Most of the league’s teams have competitive aspirations in 2023-24.
With that said, the Chicago Bulls have been seen as potential sellers for a long time. Recently, the Atlanta Hawks have been another team that could look to sell.
If the Bulls have a change of heart, could they acquire Dejounte Murray from the Hawks?
NBA Trade Proposal: Chicago Bulls Land Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G Coby White, F Patrick Williams, 2025 First-Round Pick (CHI)
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Dejounte Murray
From the outside, it’s easy to suggest that a team should sell. When a team feels stuck in mediocrity, there’s an obvious solution. They should trade their best players, and tank to maximize their lottery odds.
In theory, that makes sense. In practice, it gets complicated. Teams will lose money. Fans will lose interest. Putting a competitive product on the floor has a lot of advantages, even if it’s not what’s best for a team’s future.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls Updates
Perhaps that’s why the rumors around the Bulls are so inconsistent. People seem to think they should rebuild, but often, it’s reported that the Bulls feel differently.
Should they give up assets for Murray?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
In fairness to the Bulls, we don’t know how they’d look if Lonzo Ball was healthy. He was supposed to be an integral part of this team. Unfortunately, injuries have kept him off of the floor for the better part of two seasons.
Murray would be a suitable replacement. If anything, he’s a more gifted natural scorer. His defense has slipped in 2023-24, but at times, he’s looked like one of the best guards in the league on that end of the floor. Meanwhile, Murray is connecting on his long-range attempts this year as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls Updates
Is this advisable? We’re not sure. The Bulls may do better to simply rebuild. With that said, if this front office refuses to take that route, they could improve by acquiring Murray.
Should the Hawks part with him?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Here’s a related question: should the Hawks have acquired Murray in the first place? Why did they opt to pair a ball-dominant guard with Trae Young? With this deal, the Hawks have an opportunity to correct that mistake.
Sure, White also prefers to have the ball. Still, this is a young player who’s in the Most Improved Player conversation in 2023-24. The Hawks can see if he plays well with Young – and if he doesn’t, they could look to move White.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls Updates
By contrast, Williams is the type of 3-and-D wing who can play with anyone. Throw in an unprotected first, and this deal makes sense for the Hawks. Keep an eye on both of these teams as the trade deadline approaches.
