Like a thunderclap on the ground, the rumors of the teams exploring the possibility of Dejounte Murray’s trade have been less than a week, and the transaction value has reached a high point overnight. Leaving the beloved city of San Antonio. And what is about to meet him is a young eagle that is getting more and more full-fledged, eager to replicate the successful experience of last year, and looking forward to breaking through the skyline.
The Atlanta Hawks are trading Danilo Gallinari and multiple first-round picks to the San Antonio Spurs for All-Star guard Dejounte Murray, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022
The Hawks are sending a 2023 first-round pick via Charlotte, and their own 2025 and 2027 first-round picks to the Spurs in the deal, sources tell ESPN. Spurs will also get a pick swap in 2026.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022
Eagle King’s New Wings
After three years of diving, the Eagles, who returned to the playoffs last season, entered the Eastern Conference Championship as the fifth place in the Eastern Conference. This year, they fell into the playoffs without too many changes in personnel. Such a gap lies in each team. Gradually master the method of restraining “Eagle King” Trae Young.
The lineup seems to be all five, but the Hawks’ long-term problem has always been that no one can make up for Young’s defensive shortcomings. When he is double-teamed, the court lacks a second offensive point. This is why in recent years, trade rumors involving defensive backcourts such as Jrue Holiday and Derrick White can hear the name of the Eagles, but they are repeatedly blocked by the main competitors in the same area at the last minute. This time they do not want to miss it again.
The actual effect has yet to be verified, but Murray, who was the steals leader last season and second only to MVP Nikola Jokic in the number of threes, can not only provide high-quality defense close to the defensive team of the year, but also ensure that Young is still on the court when he is double-teamed. Another support point, even replicating the way the Warriors used Stephen Curry, Murray drove the ball and Young played the off-ball shooter to maximize the offensive firepower. Coupled with the pick-and-roll, high-low coordination with Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu, the Eagles tactical board suddenly has many possibilities due to the addition of Murray.
To sum up the above, Murray, who is only 25 years old, is definitely the most suitable backcourt partner for Young in the current market in terms of functionality and development timeline.
In terms of chips, Danilo Gallinari’s non-guaranteed contract is only for salary trim purposes and can be ignored. The first-rounder from the Hornets was acquired from Nick in the mid-season trade for Cam Reddish last year.
Therefore, strictly speaking, whether the Eagles are willing to give up two unprotected first-round and one first-round swap rights after 2025 is the real main axis of this transaction.
In other words, the Spurs and the Eagles are in a betting position, betting on whether the addition of Murray can help the Eagles break through the existing ceiling, and whether Murray’s contract that will expire in two years will affect the further layout of the Eagles.
From the perspective of contract renewal, the current Eagle’s salary in 2024-25 is about 106 million. If John Collins leaves the team and De’Andre Hunter renews with Okongwu, there is a chance to increase the salary by up to 20 million, plus the Eagle’s 2022- The first round of the 24-year-old is still in hand, and he can continue to replenish new blood with rookie contracts or transactions. Even if he uses five years and 200 million to renew his contract with Murray’s maximum salary, it will not cause salary pressure.
More importantly, the amount of the NBA’s next broadcast contract starting in 2025 is expected to triple, and the salary cap of each team is expected to be expanded to 171 million starting from the 2025-26 season, and the salary space occupied by stars worth 200 million will be occupied by then. Probably equivalent to the current quality starter. At this stage, Murray, whose contract is already very cost-effective, has the opportunity to sign another cost-effective contract. So Murray’s renewal issue is the added value of the deal.
NBA aiming for new TV deal worth $75 billion which could lead to large increase in salary cap, per reporthttps://t.co/kSYBkTAEyf
— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) September 19, 2021
Will the Eagles get better with the addition of Murray? The answer is undoubtedly yes. But is it good enough to match the championship? This is what everyone is curious about. Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk, who has staked all the draft picks, must think about how to turn the team’s strength into a whole in the next summer. Stopping here is obviously not enough to qualify for the Eastern Conference.
Unknown new journey
Emotions aside, it’s hard not to say it’s a good deal.