SUMMARY
- New York Knicks basketball team is interested in adding Dejounte Murray, who currently plays for the Atlanta Hawks.
- Murray is a skilled player who can score and defend well. He could be a valuable member of the Knicks team.
As the 2024 NBA trade deadline approaches, teams are actively looking for potential deals to improve their rosters. Recently, the New York Knicks have shown interest in Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. This news was reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, who provided details on the Knicks’ trade strategies and their focus on Murray.
Besides their interest in Murray, the Knicks were previously rumored to be eyeing Cleveland Cavaliers’ star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell. However, with the Brooklyn Nets also in line for Mitchell and possessing more assets for a potential deal, the Knicks seem to be exploring other options.
Dejounte Murray is in his second season with the Hawks and has been impressive, averaging 20.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He’s also great from beyond the arc, shooting 37.4% from the three-point range. His performance has been a key factor for the Hawks, who are currently the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 12-16 record.
REPORT: The Knicks have expressed “exploratory trade interest” in Dejounte Murray, per @MikeAScotto.
(https://t.co/afxZBIiIOF) pic.twitter.com/F5gthX5oMd
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 22, 2023
The Knicks, on the other hand, had a strong start to the season with a 16-11 record, occupying the fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Despite their good performance, they are exploring options to further strengthen their team. The franchise, which has made the NBA playoffs in two of the past three seasons and won its first playoff series since 2013, is looking to build on this success.
According to Scotto, the Knicks are “exploratory” in their interest in Murray, but the Knicks’ intentions might become more solid as the February 8 trade deadline approaches. The Knicks’ next game is on Saturday afternoon against the Milwaukee Bucks, an opportunity to continue their winning momentum.
How does acquiring Dejounte Murray benefit the Knicks?
Acquiring Dejounte Murray would undoubtedly strengthen the New York Knicks, especially looking at their current season needs and future goals. Murray with his scoring and defensive abilities could be a useful addition to the Knicks’ current roster.
The Knicks have impressive performances from point guard Jalen Brunson, who is averaging a career-high 25.3 points per game, and from forward Julius Randle, who has greatly improved his game. Adding Murray to this pair could improve the team’s offensive capabilities. Murray’s ability to score, assist, and his defensive skills would provide the Knicks with a more balanced backcourt, especially when paired with Brunson.
The New York Knicks have applied to the NBA for a Disabled Player Exception worth $7.8 million as the franchise projects center Mitchell Robinson will miss the rest of the season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Major development as Robinson had ankle surgery last week. pic.twitter.com/8EvjWfI9qA
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 21, 2023
Defensively, the Knicks have room for improvement, a gap that Murray could fill. As starting center Mitchell Robinson is out for the season due to an ankle injury, New York’s defense has weakened, as seen by their defensive rating since Robinson’s injury. Murray, known for his defensive skills could help improve the team’s defensive standing, which is important for a successful playoff run.