This is set to be one of the most exciting offseasons for the Hawks in quite some time as Atlanta is expected to make monumental changes to their roster.
The two biggest dominos are the No. 1 overall pick and an All-Star point guard being traded. The Hawks can draft Alex Sarr, another prospect, or even trade the pick to accumulate more assets. They’re also widely expected to trade one of Trae Young or Dejounte Murray.
If you ask me, it’s not even a discussion that needs to be had — build around the better player. Guys like Trae Young, who is a walking 25 and 10, don’t just grow on trees. He’s an All-NBA talent that has shown an innate ability to rise to the occasion on the brightest of stages.
In my mind, it’s much easier to find long, physical defenders to put around Trae Young than it is to find offensive talent to put around Dejounte Murray. However, I would be a fool not to even acknowledge the other possibilities.
Hawks fans who would rather build around Murray and trade Young have several reasons to believe it’s what’s best for the organization. Firstly, and most obviously, Murray’s length and two-way ability are desirable for the position.
Secondly, Trae Young would return more to the Hawks in a potential trade, which would theoretically give Atlanta more ammo to build around Murray. Thirdly, Murray’s under a team-friendly contract that keeps him in Atlanta longer than his counterpart.
That last point is why some NBA executives prefer Dejounte Murray over Trae Young. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, “Several executives who spoke with HoopsHype say they value Murray over Young due to his contract length and average annual salary.”
I wouldn’t be surprised if NBA execs prefer Dejounte Murray over Trae Young because it would cost them less to acquire Murray in a trade, and he’s a more versatile point guard.
It doesn’t make him the better player, though. That’s not even a conversation I’m willing to entertain.
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Photographer: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
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