Dejounte Murray listed as most ‘realistic’ trade target for Miami Heat

The Atlanta Hawks are facing one of the biggest offseasons in the NBA and that was true even before landing the No. 1 pick. The Hawks have a ton of options in front of them, but the biggest question remains what they will do with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Since the trade for Murray in the summer of 2022, the results have been disappointing. Atlanta was eliminated in the first round against the Boston Celtics last season, then lost in the play-in tournament to the Chicago Bulls this season. Many expect the Hawks to make a move, but which point guard will they trade and where will they trade them? Atlanta was shopping Murray up until the trade deadline this season, but decided to keep him. Who will be interested in Murray this offseason? Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey wrote that Murray would be a realistic target for the Miami Heat:

“Most of the Hawks’ trade discussions have revolved around Young, but that’s obviously not the only way Atlanta is splitting up its ill-fitting backcourt.

Young seems likely to take home the biggest haul, but it also seems reasonable to want to continue building around him in the long term. And if Dejounte Murray is made available, he might make more sense for the Miami Heat culture than Y.young.

His defense isn’t on par with the San Antonio Spurs, but Miami could get him back there. And the maxed-out version of Murray, Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler (assuming he’s still around) could lead a nightmare defense.

Murray’s playmaking and improved outside shooting would also represent an offensive improvement over last season’s point guard minutes from Kyle Lowry and Terry Rozier. »

I think Murray would be a good fit for the Heat, but what would they give up in return? Having Tyler Herro and Trae Young in the backcourt doesn’t make sense considering Atlanta already has defensive issues. Would Miami part with draft pick Jaime Jaquez and Nikola Jovic for Murray? This might be attractive to Atlanta, but it might not be the best deal they can get.

I wrote that the Magic would be a natural trade partner with the Hawks because of the defensive players Atlanta could then fit around Trae Young. Orlando needs a point guard who is also a solid defender and a trade between the two teams makes a lot of sense.

The Spurs traded Murray to the Hawks two summers ago, but they still need a true point guard to pair with Victor Wembanyama, who is coming off one of the best rookie seasons of all time. San Antonio might be ready to win sooner than people think and a move to get Murray back would totally make sense. Atlanta could get some of their draft capital back and Murray could go to a place he’s familiar with. He still has admiration for Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.

The Lakers were rumored to be attempting to trade for Murray before this year’s trade deadline. Would Los Angeles want Murray instead of Trae Young? If Atlanta decides to deal Murray and keep Young, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Lakers get involved again.

Another team that hasn’t been mentioned, but probably should be, is the New Orleans Pelicans. Like Orlando, New Orleans needs a point guard and they have the kind of players the Hawks need in return. A deal would make sense for both sides and could even involve Brandon Ingram.

There’s still a way to go before players start being dealt out this offseason, but the Hawks will be the center of almost every conversation during what could be a crazy summer.