NBA Trade Rumors: Spurs eyeing an all-star guard?
The San Antonio Spurs have struggled all season, largely due to their lack of playmaking but the trade deadline presents them with the opportunity to address that issue. One potential option could be former Spur Dejounte Murray who is rumored to be available and several teams are expected to have interest in.
Rumors: Atlanta Hawks star guard Dejounte Murray could be the next big name to hit the trade block heading into the deadline https://t.co/zSHtlUkzYG
— SirCharlesInCharge (@SirCharlesIC) December 26, 2023
The Spurs traded Murray to the Atlanta Hawks back in the summer of 2021, a controversial move that has since turned out to be a great deal for the Spurs. The Spurs received three first-round picks and a pick swap in exchange for the All-Star guard. It also allowed them to bottom out and be in a position to draft Victor Wembanyama, which they did.
However, since Murray was traded, the Spurs have struggled at point guard. Part of the reason was the scandal involving former lottery pick Joshua Primo, who was expected to be the future at the position, leaving them with only Tre Jones.
While the Hawks just recently signed Murray to a 4-year, $120 million extension, they are still several games under .500 and are one of the more expensive teams in the NBA. If that doesn't improve, then they may look to see what they can get for Murray and potentially Trae Young. Atlanta might not be able to get all the assets they gave up for Murray back in a potential deal with the Spurs. However, San Antonio could be willing to give up Keldon Johnson, and Toronto's top-six protected first-round pick.
That might not be what the Hawks are hoping for, but that might be a competitive offer with Johnson being three years younger than Murray and on one of the better contracts in the NBA. A potential deal could be complicated by San Antonio possibly having a high lottery pick in the 2024 Draft and them being in a position to select a point guard of the future. However, the Spurs need a serious upgrade at point guard now, and bringing back Murray could solve those issues.