The Atlanta Hawks reportedly pulled off a blockbuster trade with the San Antonio Spurs that saw them landing All-Star guard Dejounte Murray. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Spurs will get three first-rounders and forward Danilo Gallinari in exchange.
The first-round picks are 2023 via Charlotte Hornets and unprotected 2025 and 2027 selections from the Hawks. San Antonio will also have an option to swap picks in 2026.
Murray, who was a late first-round selection by the Spurs in 2016, is coming off a career year that saw him make an NBA All-Star team, NBA All-Defensive Second Team, and lead the league in steals. He finished the 2021-22 NBA season, averaging 21.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. All were career-high for the 25-year-old.
By acquiring Dejounte Murray, the Hawks are sending a message that they are in win-now mode. Despite mortgaging their future, the trade gives them one of the most exciting backcourts in the league in Murray and All-Star point guard Trae Young and increases their chances to contend in a loaded Eastern Conference.
On the other hand, the Spurs continue to tear down their roster while stockpiling draft picks. They traded away starting guard Derrick White to the Boston Celtics in February in exchange for a 2022 first-round pick.
