The upcoming NBA trade deadline may not be kind to sellers. This will be a buyer’s market. As a result, the deadline may be quiet. If the market isn’t kind to sellers, guess what? Nobody wants to sell.
The Atlanta Hawks may be an exception. This team is expected to sell. The Hawks have had an underwhelming season. In all likelihood, they’ll make a significant trade or two – no matter what the market conditions are.
It’s been suggested that Dejounte Murray is on the block. That makes sense. The fit between Murray and Trae Young has appeared questionable. It may be time for the Hawks to move on.
Could they send Murray to the Orlando Magic?
NBA Trade Proposal: Orlando Magic Land Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, G/F Gary Harris, 2025 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: G Dejounte Murray
Ironically, a buyer’s market isn’t always ideal for buyers. They want to buy, and nobody is selling. Teams around the league looking to improve may find that they’ve got a limited range of options.
Take the Magic. This team is ready to take a step forward. Will they find a suitable trade? It may be difficult for Orlando to find a team that’s looking to move a player that fits their roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic Updates
Even Murray isn’t an optimal fit. His ball dominance has made him a questionable backcourt partner for Trae Young. Meanwhile, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are both lethal with the ball in their hands.
Should the Magic even do this deal?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
It’s certainly debatable. With that said, neither Banchero nor Wagner is a ball-dominant, heliocentric playmaker like Young. Meanwhile, Murray has been shooting the ball well this year. He may have enough off-ball value to complement this Magic squad.
Let’s take a broader view. This is a talent grab for Orlando. Murray would be the best guard on their roster. His defensive value has dropped in 2023-24, but on the Magic, he may be able to refocus on that end of the floor. He’ll have a smaller offensive workload due to Orlando’s impressive depth.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic Updates
Meanwhile, Isaac has been hurt again in 2023-24. It’s time for the Magic to cut ties with him. This team can also spare a pair of first-round picks if they think Murray can push them over the hump.
Should the Hawks quit on him already?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Yes. The Hawks will be disappointed by this outcome. They wanted the dynamic between Young and Murray to work out. At this point, that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.
So, it’s time to move on. The Hawks should seek draft capital above all else. Here, they’re landing one less unprotected pick than they moved for Murray. That’s as good as the Hawks are likely to do – the market has changed since they traded for Murray last summer.
In the meantime, Harris may be the type of 3-an-D guard who will actually complement Young. Taking a flyer on Isaac – and his expiring contract – doesn’t hurt either.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic Updates
The Hawks may take a step back following this deal, but it could improve their future outlook. In the meantime, they’ll hope the market is friendly the next time they’re looking to buy.
