As the NBA offseason approaches, the Atlanta Hawks find themselves at a crossroads. There is increasing speculation that significant roster changes could be on the horizon.
The team’s underwhelming performance this season under coach Quin Snyder, culminating in a disheartening 15-point loss in the NBA Play-In Tournament, has led to discussions about the effectiveness of the star backcourt duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
Multiple league sources indicate to NBA Analysis Network that Atlanta might opt to move one of these key players, with some indications suggesting the team could prefer to shop Young over Murray.
The experiment with pairing Murray and Young was initially envisioned as a dynamic combination where Murray’s defensive prowess would complement Young’s scoring and playmaking. However, the reality has been less fruitful.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Despite solid individual statistics from both players, their collaboration hasn’t translated into the expected team success. This has left the Hawks in a challenging position, especially given the significant draft capital they have committed to assembling this roster. The constraints of their situation make a major move seem not only possible but necessary.
Amid these considerations, one trade scenario that has emerged involves Murray potentially returning to his former team, the San Antonio Spurs. According to a trade idea proposed by Bleacher Report, the Spurs would welcome back the All-Star guard in exchange for Keldon Johnson, Devonte’ Graham, and Atlanta’s own 2025 and 2027 first-round picks.
This deal would not only bring Murray back to a familiar environment under coach Gregg Popovich but also give Atlanta some valuable assets to help recalibrate their strategy around Young.
For San Antonio, reacquiring Murray would align with their accelerated push toward contention, especially with the arrival of Victor Wembanyama, viewed as a generational talent.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs Updates
The Spurs are eager to leverage Murray’s leadership and experience as they transition from a rebuilding phase to a more competitive stance. Moreover, Murray’s strong personal connection with Popovich—whom he has spoken of in deeply respectful and affectionate terms, describing the coach as a father figure during tough times—adds a layer of appeal to the reunion.
From Atlanta’s perspective, reclaiming their future first-round picks would provide flexibility to reshape the roster in a more sustainable way, while the addition of Johnson and Graham would address immediate needs.
Johnson’s versatility and improving game could help fill the gaps in Atlanta’s lineup, and Graham could serve as a reliable backup to Young.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs Updates
As the Hawks consider these options, the emphasis is on finding a pathway that not only resolves the current logjam but also positions them for future success.
The potential trade involving Murray is just one of many moves being considered as Atlanta looks to navigate this critical juncture in their franchise’s trajectory.
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