NBA Insider Suggests Atlanta Could Trade Trae Young and Keep Dejounte Murray

The Hawks opted to keep Murray at the trade deadline instead of trading him

The Hawks were a highly discussed team leading up to the trade deadline last week, but they ultimately decided not to make any moves. The name that was floated out there the most was guard Dejounte Murray, with the Lakers, Knicks, Pelicans, Nets, Jazz, and others were involved 

While I don't believe any of the rumors have much validity, there have been some Trae Young trade rumors for this upcoming offseason start to popup. I would consider this more speculation, but when a prominent NBA insider mentions it as a possibility, I think it is worth discussing. 

Today, longtime NBA insider Marc Stein wrote about the Hawks not trading Dejounte Murray and what might be next for the franchise and he suggested that the Hawks might attempt to trade Young and keep Murray, which would be a stunning move. 

Here is what Stein had to say: 

"The decision to keep Murray, however, certainly has more than a few front offices out there believing that the Hawks could reach the point—provided this season doesn't end well—that they entertain the most dramatic possible reset," 

"Perhaps the more significant reason why Trae Trade Talk has a more tangible feel than ever before: There appears to be a true market forming for Young for really the first time in his six seasons as a Hawk."

"I can tell you this much: They've certainly convinced various rival teams that a Dejounte In/Trae Out course is going to be legitimately considered."

Hawks point guard Trae Young vs the Clippers / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Look, when it comes to Trae Young trade rumors, I think these should be taken with a grain of salt right now. Stein is a very good reporter who has likely heard this from opposing teams who wish the Hawks would trade Young, I am just saying I view it is highly unlikely they trade Young. I am not saying that it is impossible that they trade him (nothing is impossible in the NBA nowadays), but nearly any Trae Young trade rumor is coming from "rival executives", which reads to me as wishful thinking. 

Right now, the Hawks are winning (six of their last eight) and looking to climb in the Eastern Conference Standings ahead of the NBA playoffs. Young is having one of the best seasons of his career on both ends of the floor and is one of the best offensive playmakers in the league. 

This trade rumor will be a talking point amongst some in the media and NBA fans who largely don't pay attention to the Hawks. I just think that is all it is right now. A rumor. 

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