The Atlanta Hawks and All-Star guard D’Jaunt Murray are finalizing a four-year, $120 million maximum extension to stay with the franchise, league sources said. the athlete. Here’s what you need to know:
- Murray’s deal includes a player option.
- The 26-year-old averaged 20.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game on shooting 46.4 percent from the floor.
- The Hawks finished last season 41-41, losing to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA.
Atlanta Hawks All-Star Dejounte Murray and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul are in the process of finalizing a four-year, $120 million veteran extension with the franchise, sources said. @employee @stadium. Offer includes player option.
– Shams Charania July 6, 2023
the athleteInstant Analysis:
Why was this signature a surprise
It’s rare for an athlete in professional sports to pass up an opportunity to test his market value in unrestricted free agency, especially not someone like Murray, who has developed into one of the NBA’s best two-way players in the past two seasons and has had the opportunity to hit it big. The guard has been an attractive target for several teams on the open market in 2024 – or wanted at the trade deadline next season if the Falcons switch to sell mode – but he clearly liked the terms of the deal.
The Hawks invested heavily in the trade market to acquire Murray, including two unprotected first-round draft picks, so this eliminates the possibility of all trade assets being wasted. – Schultz
Why wasn’t this a surprise
The Falcons love Murray, as a player and what he stands for on and off the field, for his maturity and leadership. General Manager Landry Fields confirmed that two weeks ago on the speculative backroom of the business, saying, “I’ve told (the teams) he’s a guy we want to continue building with.”
No less important is Murray’s relationship with coach Quinn Snyder. Both are from the Seattle area, and they praised each other and the coach said of Murray during the playoff series against the Celtics, “The connection I have with D.J. is special. He’s competitive and wants to get better. And I think wanting to continually improve is a responsibility I feel on my part — to try.” Challenge him, and he wants it.”
Murray isn’t the offensive innovator Trae Young is — few are — but he’s a consistent, all-star performer who has earned the respect of his teammates. – Schultz
The success of Murray Young’s dynamism remains uncertain
It’s possible to have two very good players that don’t fit together perfectly. There were several occasions when Murray and Young looked like an effective pairing last season, particularly in Game 3 of the Boston playoff series. But often it seemed pointless. Both are used to having the ball in their hands, and Young in particular needs to get more comfortable playing off the ball.
The added bonus is that both players respect Snyder and have said they’re open to making any necessary adjustments. If the Murray-Young backcourt works next season, rebuilding the Hawks roster under Snyder and Fields becomes a lot easier. If it doesn’t, the team will need to make a decision. But for now everything is fine. – Schultz
background story
Murray entered the league in 2016 when the San Antonio Spurs selected him with the 29th pick in the NBA Draft. Murray played five seasons with Tottenham. During the 2021-22 season, Murray made his first All-Star team. He finished the season averaging 21.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game.
On June 30, 2022, Murray was traded to the Hawks in exchange for Danilo Gallinari and several first-round picks.
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(Photo: David Butler II/USA Today)