Every good NBA team needs a playmaker. Somebody has got to stir the drink. With that said, two playmakers can be overkill if they don’t complement each other.
The Atlanta Hawks have been learning that lesson the hard way. Dejounte Murray isn’t much of a shooter. That makes him somewhat obsolete when Trae Young has the ball. On the other hand, the Hawks understandably don’t want to take the ball out of Young’s hands.
It’s a problem that the Brooklyn Nets might be happy to have. This team doesn’t have a true playmaker. On the other hand, they’ve got the assets to trade for one.
Could they be interested in Murray?
NBA Trade Proposal: Brooklyn Nets Land Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F Cameron Johnson, 2025 First Round Pick (PHX via ATL)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Dejounte Murray
What is a playmaker? It can be a matter of debate. In simple terms, it’s a player who can create offense. What about a player who largely creates offense for himself?
If that’s the criteria, the Nets do have a playmaker. Cam Thomas has emerged as a reliable source of offense for this team. His ability to create his own shot has set him on a star-player trajectory.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Yet, it feels wrong to describe Thomas as a playmaker. He’s more of a shot creator. This Nets team could use a player with a knack for passing (aside from the oft-injured Ben Simmons).
Could Murray be their guy?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Nets may need a playmaker, but they have no shortage of defensive players. Yet, somehow, this team’s offense has been better than their defense. Who says they need a playmaker?
We do. Regular season results aside, this offense runs the risk of getting stale in the playoffs. Moreover, this team runs the risk of missing the playoffs altogether. Since they owe their next first-round pick to the Houston Rockets, that isn’t ideal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets Updates
So, we’ve got them trading a 3-and-D wing for a playmaker. The Nets have a surplus in the former and a deficit in the latter. Best of all, Murray is an outstanding defender who doesn’t force them to compromise their identity on that end.
Should the Hawks give him up?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
It’s unclear why Atlanta traded for Murray in the first place. They may not like this deal if they wanted to move away from a heliocentric system built around Young. On the other hand, if they just wanted to cover for Young defensively, it may be time to admit the error of their ways.
That’s what they’re doing here. They’d also be moving back to that heliocentric system. After all, Johnson is the perfect player for it – all he does is knock down threes with staggering efficiency and play defense.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Still, he won’t have as much trade value as Murray. That’s why Atlanta is also getting an unprotected first here. In time, they could use it to trade for another playmaker. Hopefully, this one can shoot.
