Hawks HC Quin Snyder 'has lobbies' to keep Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray has been at the center of rabid trade rumors. His questionable fit alongside Trae Young has been consistently discussed.
However, according to Marc Stein, who was writing in a recent edition of his SteinLine newsletter, Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder has been lobbying to keep the veteran guard.
"Another interesting wrinkle to emerge on the Murray front: League sources say Coach Quin Snyder has lobbied the Hawks to keep him," Stein wrote. "Murray has not only played well amid considerable trade noise — he recently drained game-winners in back-to-back games against Charlotte and Miami."
On Sunday, Stein reported that the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been consistently linked with a move for Murray, have begun to cool their interest. Stein noted how the recent play of D'Angelo Russell has played a significant part in the change of heart.
"One source briefed on the talks termed the idea of Murray landing with the Lakers before the deadline, as of this Sunday, as "unrealistic," Stein reported. "Among the factors for that: D'Angelo Russell's strong play this month ... That pursuit appears to have been dialed back some with Russell playing so well."
Murray will begin a four-year contract extension at the end of the season worth $114M. With the veteran guard tied down for multiple years, the Hawks are under no pressure to trade him. However, NBA players are human. They hear and see the trade rumors.
Murray will be aware the Hawks were open to moving on from him ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline. It will be interesting to see how that affects his relationship with the team and, more importantly, the front office.
The Hawks have been getting good production from Murray this season. He's averaging 21.4 points, five rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 46.9% shooting from the field and 38.8% shooting from three-point range.
He's also one of the better perimeter defenders in the Eastern Conference. As such, it makes sense that Snyder would want to retain his services.
Whether Murray is still with the franchise by the time his new contract begins is another question. After all, just because the Hawks don't trade him mid-season doesn't mean they won't explore their options again during the summer.
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