Mock Trade Presents Possible Path to Hawks Star for Detroit Pistons

When the Atlanta Hawks landed the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft in the lottery last weekend, many assumed they were officially heading toward a rebuild. With that, all eyes are now on the star duo Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.

Even before Atlanta landed the first pick, the league thought one of the two guards could be moved. If one or both are indeed available, the Detroit Pistons would be wise to inquire, as they could benefit from a big move.

The chances of the Pistons pursuing a trade for Trae Young appear slim, given that Cade Cunningham is present as the team’s starting point guard for the future.

Perhaps a Cunningham and Murray duo could be beneficial for Detroit.

Recently, Launderer’s Report putting together several mock trades that make sense for Atlanta’s top pick. In one of the hypothetical deals presented, there is a framework that shows the Pistons’ potential path not only to Murray, but also to the top pick.

As part of the mock deal, the Pistons would ship Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson and the fifth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. For Atlanta, they move away from Murray, while moving up four spots.

“Burning a lot of cap space on this package shouldn’t bother Detroit either. Murray is probably much better than anyone the Pistons can realistically sign, and this deal has them agreeing to an additional salary of less than $15 million, leaving them plenty of room for free agency and more. other professions.

Whatever the Pistons have been doing is clearly not working. Is this a deal that would instantly make Detroit a competitor? Probably not, but it would allow the Pistons to see Cunningham share the court with an All-Star caliber player.

Before Murray landed in Atlanta, he averaged 21 points, eight rebounds and nine assists with the San Antonio Spurs. His duo alongside Trae Young wasn’t as good on the court as it was on paper, but he still maintained a high level of play.

Over the past two seasons, Murray has averaged 22 points, five rebounds and six assists. He knocked down 52 percent of his twos and made 36 percent of his threes on six attempts per game. Not only has Murray been productive, but he has been available for all but 12 games in his two years with the Hawks thus far.

The Pistons have money to spend in free agency, but convincing an All-Star caliber player to join a 14-win team would take a lot of effort, likely resulting in a cut. If the plan is for the Pistons to acquire a player near Murray’s level, completing a trade might be their best bet.

It wouldn’t be easy for Detroit to cut ties with its local prospects like Ivey and Thompson, but there’s always a major risk in making a blockbuster deal. And the Pistons certainly don’t get worse in this scenario.