Atlanta Hawks:
Why Atlanta Does This:
Everyone has seemingly agreed that one of Atlanta’s guards will be moved soon. By landing the #1 overall pick, Atlanta has an opportunity to go in a new direction and retool around Trae Young. They get Collin Sexton from the Jazz, who the Hawks can either use as a rotational player or flip him for more draft capital/another star alongside Trae, depending on what direction this team chooses to go in. One of the biggest issues with this current Hawks squad is having two ball handlers fighting for touches in their backcourt. By sending Dejounte to Utah, moving Bogdan down to the two, and having Sexton be a 6th man, the Hawks would now have a SG who can play off the ball, as well as be a spot up shooter when necessary. This eliminates the issue of having two PGs sharing the floor, and brings back a pairing of Young and Bogdanovic who have proven themselves in the past. Acquiring Sexton would upgrade the Hawks point guard depth, while also keeping the defense that was a signature part of Murray’s game in their rotation. In this deal, Atlanta also acquires some draft capital back, which they have been lacking in overall since the original Murray trade. This gives them flexibility to either use the picks to draft more prospects, or acquire more players that can help them win now. While Atlanta may be able to get a little more, I think this is a good package because they keep the defense of Murray while clearing up their backcourt for Trae to thrive. I don’t think Atlanta is trying to rebuild, but rather retool and get back to their 2021 days. Sexton will surely upgrade the teams depth, and provide great minutes for them. I could see him being a long term piece there, as he is a Georgia native, and would likely be very happy playing in his home state for a team that would hopefully be competitive, which is something he has yet to be apart of in his career. This, along with the addition of Sarr, would create a new era in Atlanta. One with a increased amount of defense and physicality. The Hawks also bring in draft picks, which they can use to fill out their roster with young prospects , or move to acquire established players in the leauge. I think this deal has a lot of exciting potential for Atlanta, and is one I think they should consider doing if they plan on moving Murray. Does Atlanta improve from this deal? Could they get more? Is Sexton a good fit on the Hawks? Who would you take #1 overall if you were in their position? Let me know in the comments below!
Draft: C Alexandre Sarr With #1 Pick
Starters:
PG: Trae Young SG: Bogdan Bogdanovic SF: Deandre Hunter PF: Alex Sarr C: Onyeka Okongwu
Bench:
PG: Collin Sexton SG: Kobe Bufkin SF: Garrison Matthews PF: Jalen Johnson C: Clint Capela
Utah Jazz
Why Utah Does This:
It is believed that Danny Ainge and the Jazz have wanted to go star hunting and beef up their roster by moving some of their young players and draft capital. This deal brings in a veteran PG who can be a leader to this young team, and make a difference on defense. Dejounte would finally give the Jazz a true PG and upgrade their offense overall. This could turn Utah into a playoff team, and help start a new era for this squad. While Sexton has had some nice games for them, I think Utah would be willing to part ways with him in order to get someone in return who is much more advanced offensively, and plays at the same level on defense. While they are giving up two firsts and a second, I think thats a reasonable cost for an all star level guy. I think by getting away from Trae and having the backcourt to himself, Dejounte could easily return to the level he was at in San Antonio. If he for some reason did not work out in Utah, he’s also under contract for five more seasons, giving Utah an opportunity to move him if necessary. I see this being a great deal for the Jazz though, and one that really upgrades their roster overall. Murray is just 27 years old, and his five year contract gives Utah time to further develop around him while letting Dejounte stay on the roster for when they become competitive. All the players they drafted would be very exciting additions, and further bolster the young core in Utah. They also fill some gaps on the bench, and will develop nicely on this roster alongside other young talent. This team lacks veterans though, and by bringing in Murray, they get a guy with playoff experience who will be a great mentor to the young guards on this squad. If this were to happen, it would without a doubt go down as one of Ainges’ best moves, and set the Jazz up for years of success. Do the Jazz do this deal? What other players do you see them pursuing? Is Murray a good fit in Utah? Would they need to give up more to acquire him? Tell me your thoughts in the comments!
Draft: SF Ron Holland With #10 Pick SG Kyshawn George With #29 Pick SF: Kevin McCullar Jr. With #32 Pick
Starters:
Assuming the Hawks make no other moves, all though Capela and maybe Hunter may be moved in the offseason
PG: Dejounte Murray SG: Jordan Clarkson SF: Lauri Markkanen PF: Taylor Hendricks C: John Collins
Bench:
PG: Keyonte George SG: Kyshawn George SF: Brice Sensabaugh PF: Ron Holland C: Walker Kessler
That’s it for this trade. One that I think would be beneficial for both rosters, and should be something Atlanta considers for moving Murray, as well as a player Utah should keep their eyes on. Who wins this deal? Let me know below!