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The Utah Jazz Reportedly Said No to Trading For a Former All-Star

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Elie Deglaoui | Last updated 5/23/24

For the last few seasons, Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray has been the subject of numerous trade rumors. Despite those rumors, Murray is still with Atlanta and could remain with the team for the foreseeable future. However, according to Ben Anderson of Utah’s KSL Sports, the Hawks attempted to trade Murray near the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline to the Utah Jazz. In exchange, the Hawks wanted rookie guard Keyonte George in return. The Jazz rejected the trade.

“I will tell you that there was some talk about Dejounte Murray to the Jazz at the trade deadline and it was going to cost the Jazz Keyonte George and the Jazz said no.”

In his rookie season, George showed flashes of potential with the Jazz. The Texas native appeared in 75 games and started 44 of them. On the year, George averaged 13 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. George’s performance all season landed him a spot on the 2024 NBA All-Rookie Second Team. In his last game of the season, George scored 21 points while shooting an incredible 8-for-11 from the field. This includes a 5-for-6 mark from beyond the arc.

Although Murray is a great player, rejecting this trade likely indicates exactly how high the Jazz are on George. At just 20 years old, George may be Utah’s long-term option at point guard.

The Utah Jazz Reportedly Said No to Trading For a Former All-Star

Dejounte Murray’s Future With the Atlanta Hawks

With the team having the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, a re-tooling, if not a full rebuild, seems inevitable. And with that, it is nearly guaranteed the Hawks will move on from either Murray or Trae Young, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

“There’s a widespread belief among rival executives that the Hawks will break up their backcourt and part with either Trae Young or Dejounte Murray this offseason. In years past, there was strong resistance to moving Young, but rival executives believe Atlanta will be more open to that conversation this offseason than ever before.”

Recently, it has become more clear that Young is the likelier of the two to be on his way out.

The possibility of the Hawks making Trae Young available in trade talks this offseason are “very real,” per @wojespn.

Atlanta appears moving in the direction of a rebuild after securing the No. 1 overall pick. pic.twitter.com/jy1LszeaFA

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 13, 2024

If the team moves on from Young, Murray will essentially take over as the team’s main building block next to whoever the Hawks draft next month. At just 27 years old, the former All-Star has constantly grown each year and could take a huge leap with a bigger role next season.

The Hawks Could Trade Another Starter Besides Dejounte Murray

In addition to splitting up their backcourt, recent reports suggest the Hawkls are open to trading other key players on the squad. More specifically, there is a sense the Hawks could trade center Clint Capela this offseason, according to Marc Stein.

“Capela, who turned 30 on Saturday, will have an expiring contract next season at $22.3 million after averaging 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots this season. The presence of Onyeka Okongwu and potential arrival of another big man through the draft, with Atlanta holding the No. 1 overall pick for the first time since 1975, is expected to make Capela available.”

With the Hawks likely to select Alex Sarr at No. 1 overall, Clint Capela becomes a probable trade candidate this offseason.

Capela is on a $22.3 million expiring contract after averaging 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.

For interested teams, it won’t be too costly. pic.twitter.com/jFtl4QNF3t

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 13, 2024