Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Hawks recognize Dejounte Murray-Trae Young combo not working

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated 1/16/24

We all know the Atlanta Hawks are trying to trade guard Dejounte Murray. At least, that’s what we keep being told.

And why is that? Well, according to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, it’s because the Hawks realize the pairing of Murray with standout guard Trae Young “isn’t working.”

Murray was acquired from the San Antonio Spurs before the 2022-23 season, with the idea being to give Atlanta an additional scoring punch and help it make a deep playoff run. The Hawks haven’t done anything close to that since.

“The Hawks have come to the realization that the pairing of Murray and two-time NBA All-Star Trae Young isn’t working, a league source told Andscape,” Spears wrote. “The Hawks are in the exploratory phase of trading Murray, who is getting strong interest due to his play on both ends, great image and manageable contract.”

Murray has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets, as well as his old team in San Antonio. Multiple others are certainly interested as well.

Murray, always a pro’s pro, addressed the trade rumors.

“I tell several people who I stand for as a person. That is who Dejounte is. As a man or person, however you want to put it, it’s not appropriate for me to talk about that or let that get in the way for my teammates,” Murray said, via Spears. “I love my teammates. My teammates love me. I’m not a GM, owner, an agent, none of those things. I’m a basketball player. I’m a hooper. So, I continue to learn, lead and work hard.”

The Hawks are just 16-23 this season, fighting only for a spot in the play-in tournament. They’re 50-54 all-time with Murray and Young. Murray is averaging 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists — so he obviously can really play. But sometimes, really good players aren’t a fit.

That seems to be what the Hawks believe is the case with Murray.

He is taking $17.7 million this season and is due for $24.8 million next season, as well as $26.8 million in 2025-26.

Murray is represented by agent Rich Paul, whose extensive client list also includes Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. So yes, there’s a decent reason to believe that Murray could be headed to LA. After all, the Lakers could use another consistent scorer.