The Golden State Warriors are .500. This is not the performance that NBA fans expect from this team. The Warriors have been the best organization in the NBA for a decade. What exactly is going on?
In part, the Warriors are aging. This was always inevitable. They could ride off into the sunset and start rebuilding if the Warriors wanted. This team has some young talent, and they’ve got assets.
On the other hand, the Warriors have some young talent, and they’ve got assets. They could make a significant trade to return to title contention if they wanted.
Could they trade for Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks?
NBA Trade Proposal: Golden State Warriors Land Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins, F Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: G Dejounte Murray
The Hawks are below .500. They’re comfortably below that mark. This team was hoping to be competitive in 2023-24. What exactly is going on?
In part, the Hawks’ roster just doesn’t fit. Was this inevitable? Some would suggest that Murray and Trae Young were never a sensible backcourt. They’re both ball-dominant and don’t complement each other while the other has the ball.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors Updates
The Hawks have some young talent. They’re light on assets. This team sent three unprotected first-round picks in exchange for Murray.
Should they move him to get some draft capital back?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
The Hawks were on the wrong end of the NBA’s trade market shift. Their move for Murray was one of the moves that some would say broke the market.
Unfortunately for them, they won’t receive three unprotected first-rounders if they put Murray on the open market. So, this is a fair return.
The Hawks may not be getting the same draft capital, but they are getting Jonathan Kuminga. He’s flashed some star upside. Meanwhile, an unprotected first and a swap are still valuable assets.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors Updates
Meanwhile, the Hawks may be able to use Wiggins. This team could use some wing depth. Wiggins is having a rough season, but he could easily bounce back.
Should the Warriors part with him?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Some will suggest that the Warriors shouldn’t be trading for a guard. They’ve already got Steph Curry, Chris Paul, and Klay Thompson on their roster. On the other hand, that might be part of the problem.
Thompson has been wildly inconsistent this year. Paul is 38. The Warriors have big names in their backcourt rotation, but only Curry is worth basing decisions around.
As the best off-ball player in NBA history, he’s a good fit alongside Murray. Meanwhile, Thompson can play the 3, and Paul has proven to be a sturdy sixth man.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors Updates
This deal gives the Warriors more offensive firepower, and it should improve their defense. In other words, Murray should help them climb well above .500.