Hawks Acquire Dejounte Murray, Shake Up NBA Futures Markets

The All-Star point guard will join Trae Young in a formidable backcourt

As the New York Knicks were scrambling to create cap space to overpay Jalen Brunson, the Atlanta Hawks sent three future 1st Round picks to the San Antonio Spurs for All-Star point guard Dejounte Murray. 

As a result, Atlanta’s odds to win the 2022-2023 NBA title shot from 90/1 to 50/1 on FanDuel, and moved futures markets across the industry.

Murray established himself as one of the best two-way backcourt players in the league last season in San Antonio, averaging 21.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 2.0 steals in 34.8 minutes per game over 68 contests. He will join Trae Young to instantly create one of the league’s top backcourts. Young put up elite offensive numbers last year, 28.4 points and 9.7 assists per game. 

To make the deal work financially, Atlanta dealt Danilo Gallinari to San Antonio, but were able to hold onto their core of John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Clint Capela, De’Andre Hunter, Onyeka Okongwu and Kevin Huerter. Since they’re right at the tax after this deal, it’s unlikely that they’ll add another impact free agent unless they make another move or two. But, this core is certainly talented enough to contend and are also high on second-year forward Jalen Johnson, who they eased into action last year. 

Some names to watch on veteran’s minimum deals include Rajon Rondo, Elfrid Payton, Lou Williams, Lance Stephenson, LaMarcus Aldridge, Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony, Nemanja Bjelica, Robin Lopez, Dewayne Dedmon, Tristan Thompson and DeAndre Jordan, among others.

The Hawks barely made the playoffs last season, capturing the No. 8 seed before falling to the Miami Heat 4-1 in the first round. It’s clear that Atlanta’s front office knew they had to make a splash in the offseason and it’s very impressive that they were able to land someone of Murray’s caliber without losing one of their core pieces. 

Murray’s ability to handle the ball will likely allow Young to thrive in catch-and-shoot opportunities. He shot 44% on catch-and-shoot threes last season and as seen in the postseason, the Hawks had no answers when he got trapped. This acquisition changes that and unlocks more of his potential impact on that end of the floor, which should scare the rest of the league.

Shortly after breaking the news, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski revealed on Sports Center that the Hawks aren’t done dealing yet. “They still have been engaged on John Collins. Fundamentally, there are going to be some more changes in Atlanta,” he commented.

This might be a good time to buy some Atlanta futures because by the sounds of it, they might end up with a Big 3 of their own in the near future. That’d shorten their odds even more. 

Also, thoughts and prayers to Knicks fans.