Report: Hawks Expected To Trade Trae Young Or Dejounte Murray This Summer

Young and Murray have the same agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. 

“Atlanta is must-watch entering the final few days of the regular season because of Trae Young’s status,” Stein wrote. “The Hawks announced Monday that Young has been cleared for practice and contact after undergoing finger surgery on his left hand in late February. Young wants to get back on the floor this week in hopes of being a factor in the Play-In round.

“Do the Hawks want that? Do they really want to see Young and Dejounte Murray reunited at this late stage … or would it actually help their looming decision-making in the offseason when it comes to trading one or the other to play out the rest of the season as a Murray-centric squad? Only the Hawks know their preferred path for sure. The most likely scenario, according to one league source, continues to be that Atlanta trades one of its two star guards before next season.”

Some people around the NBA think Young and Murray have a poor relationship. However, Young and Murray said on Young’s podcast, “From The Point,” that they have a great relationship. 

The Hawks acquired Murray from the San Antonio Spurs in June 2022. Atlanta went 41-41 last season and lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in six games. 

When Murray and Young are in the lineup, the Hawks are 55-60. Young is currently out with a finger injury, but he’s expected to return soon. Atlanta will face the Chicago Bulls in the 9-10 play-in tournament game. 

The Hawks signed Murray to a four-year, $114 million extension last summer. Murray will make $24.8 million next season. 

Meanwhile, Young signed a five-year, $215 million extension with the Hawks in August 2021. He’ll make $43 million next season.

Before getting hurt, Young was averaging 26.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 10.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.2 blocks on the season. He had 35 double-doubles in 51 starts.

As for Murray, he’s averaging 22.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.3 blocks in 2023-24. 

Multiple NBA sources told Hoops Wire that the Los Angeles Lakers will try to trade for Murray and Young this summer (LA can only acquire one star). The Spurs will also pursue a Young trade.