One of the biggest surprises to come out of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline was the Atlanta Hawks not making a move. Currently performing under expectations, which has been the case for the last few seasons, many people thought they would attempt to shake things up on their roster with a trade.
The player who was involved in NBA rumors the most was guard Dejounte Murray. The Hawks haven’t found anywhere near the level of success they thought they would since acquiring him from the San Antonio Spurs and pairing him with Trae Young in the backcourt.
On paper, it was a great move. Murray’s strengths as a defender would cover up for Young’s weaknesses on that end of the floor. Offensively, Murray is a more than capable ball-handler and initiator of the offense, allowing Young to play off the ball more.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Dejounte Murray, Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks Updates
In theory, that should have been a harmonious pairing, but on the court, it didn’t work. Young hasn’t been comfortable or productive off the ball and the Hawks have two of the worst lineups in the NBA with those two as key contributors.
Seeing that this pairing isn’t working, it would make sense to break them up. However, the assumption has been that Young would stay and Murray would go. According to a recent update from NBA insider Marc Stein on his Substack, that may not be the case this offseason.
“I can tell you this much: They’ve certainly convinced various rival teams that a Dejounte In/Trae Out course is going to be legitimately considered.
The Hawks, to be clear, have not made a firm decision yet. This isn’t the time to lock into such a lane with 29 games left in Atlanta’s season and a trip to the Play-In round, at the very least, more than within reach. How the rest of the season plays out is obviously going to factor into those next steps.
The decision to keep Murray, however, certainly has more than a few front offices out there believing that the Hawks could reach the point — provided this season doesn’t end well — that they entertain the most dramatic possible reset,” wrote Stein.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Dejounte Murray, Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks Updates
That would certainly change the landscape of the NBA if Young was on the move instead of Murray. There are some flaws Atlanta has been unable to overcome, but in the right role, Young can help a team win games.
He cannot be your No. 1 option, as the Hawks have learned the hard way. They have tried several different builds around him but nothing has been consistently successful. Trading him to a team where he isn’t seen as the franchise savior and cornerstone as he is in Atlanta could benefit him.
Breaking up their backcourt is something that is certainly going to be on the table for the Hawks this offseason. Something needs to give as things just aren’t working. Realizing it isn’t working and making a change instead of dragging it out is certainly best for the franchise.
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