The Knicks are among the teams to inquire on Dejounte Murray and express interest in the Spurs‘ All-Star guard, reports Ian Begley of SNY.tv.
Marc Stein previously reported of a belief that the Knicks could try to make a run at Murray, while Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report stated that league personnel began to mention Murray on Tuesday as New York’s next possible target.
The Knicks are still considered the strong frontrunners to sign Jalen Brunson in free agency, so the idea would be to acquire Murray in addition to Brunson, rather than in place of him. As Begley explains, some members of the organization are concerned about what a backcourt duo of Brunson and Evan Fournier would look like on defense and have discussed the potential fit of Brunson and Fournier.
While Murray’s defensive ability would make him a strong match alongside Brunson on that end of the court, it’s worth noting that he was the lead ball-handler in San Antonio this past season, with his usage rate increasing to a career-high 27.3%. As Fischer wrote earlier today, the Knicks are reportedly pitching Brunson on running the show in New York after he spent four years sharing point guard duties with Luka Doncic, so acquiring Murray may be at odds with that plan.
The Spurs are said to be seeking at least three or four first-round picks in any deal involving Murray, and the Knicks are well positioned to offer draft assets. New York has all of its own future first-round selections, plus protected 2023 first-rounders from Detroit, Washington, and Dallas, as well as a protected 2025 first-rounder from Milwaukee.
The Hawks have been the team most frequently linked to Murray as of late, while the Wizards are also reportedly among the clubs to inquire.
Rinse and repeat.
I’d be for Murray instead of Brunson. Get clever with the cap they’ve cleared and maybe make a run at either Ayton or Bamba instead of re-signing Mitch to $10M+/yr (I think I’d take a flier on Mo depending on ask).
Maybe make a reasonable play for Clax if either are too expensive.
Exciting youth retooling at MSG is needed.
Ayton is a better player than Murray for Knicks.
Ayton is lower value now.
Ask 3rd team to take RJ, Reddish and Quickley contracts
the Knicks arent trading RJ Barrett.
SAS is reportedly seeking unprotected 1st’s (meaning the acquiring team’s own) in volume, which of course rarely get traded unless the player being acquired is an established star. Maybe Murray is that, maybe not. In any event, the NYK won’t be giving them that kind of package It might make sense for some team to gamble on their own 1st round picks over a 5-7 year period not being top 4. I’m not sure I can name one though.
I never thought it was likely that the Spurs would actually trade him. He isn’t a great three point shooter, so I don’t think he’d be a great fit next to Brunson. I’d rather keep the draft capital and bank on guys like Fournier, Barrett, and Randle all improving their efficiency with a real PG running the show, then flip some of those guys with some picks next summer.
The guy is 21/8/9 and one of the best defensive guards in the league. We can let his 3pt shooting slide. And he scored 7 points more per game than Fournier in just 5 minutes more. Fournier gives up more than he scores – he’s a defensive matador.
I absolutely LOVE the term “defensive matador.” I don’t know if you coined it or I just never heard it before, but kudos.
Clyde says “matador defense” quite often…which only highlights the need for DJ even more lol
The first time I heard it referenced was years ago in some article about Harden. The way he would half-heartedly put his hands out to try to “steal the ball” as guys blew by him lol.
And for the record, I love Murray’s game, and I’d rather have him than Brunson, I’m just not in love with the fit NEXT to Brunson, especially considering what it would take to trade for him. They should keep their assets and make a run at Zion or Mitchell or someone like that next offseason.
If the Spurs eat Fournier craptacular contract, it will make giving up the assets Knicks would have to give up for Murray go down easier. Offloading Fournier alone is worth at least a FRP.
What is the motivation to trade Fournier’s contract if they get Murray? They would have Randle, Brunson, Murray, and likely RJ signed to long term deals. Fournier’s deal won’t affect them at all as they will never get under the cap, anyway. Keep Fournier, try to trade as few assets as you can for Murray instead.
The Knicks should have drafted Mark Williams, signed Mitchell Robinson and pulled Jokubaitus from the Euros.
Thats all they needed to do this season.
I thought Murray was the new leader for the Spurs you can’t rebuild when your so call core piece is missing