5 Stars Kings could chase before the trade deadline
By Tyler Watts
2. Dejounte Murray
The Hawks season has not gone as planned. They are still searching for the mix that helped them get to the conference finals in 2021. After two straight first-round playoff exits, Atlanta traded John Collins and hoped they could recapture the magic. Instead, they are 13-19 and outside the top ten in the Eastern Conference as the calendar flips to 2024.
Marc Stein reported the Hawks will shop Murray (subscription required) before the deadline. It has not worked next to Trae Young and his defensive metrics have slipped mightily in Atlanta. Murray has the size and length to be a stout defender but needs the proper setting for his skills.
The Kings would be pairing him with De’Aaron Fox. During Murray’s All-Star season in San Antonio, the Spurs were sixth in pace, and he averaged 9.2 assists per game. He has become the secondary creator in Atlanta, but he may get a few more opportunities playing next to Fox than Trae Young.
This move hinges on Dejounte Murray’s defense. The Sacramento Kings desperately need a perimeter stopper for the playoffs when the games slow down. Murray was in San Antonio, but has not been with the Hawks. Still, it is a massive talent upgrade for Sacramento and a gamble worth taking as they try to chase a championship.