Why 'Ideal' Knicks Trade Target Dejounte Murray is a 'Moot Point'

The Atlanta Hawks could move Dejounte Murray in a trade but the New York Knicks could left observing despite their interest.

Joyous as it may be, sometimes Christmas Day is a stark reminder that one can't always get what they want. 

That lesson appears to have followed the New York Knicks all year, as the team has been forced to bide its time in making a move for a potential game-changer that will push them up the Eastern Conference leaderboard. Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Knicks are "among several teams who’ve expressed exploratory trade interest" in Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, who becomes the latest All-Star attached to metropolitan rumors. 

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But Knicks insider Ian Begley of SNY warns New Yorkers not to get their hopes up.

"Murray is represented by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports Group. The New York Daily News reported in 2022 that Klutch opposed a trade of client Zach LaVine to the Knicks," Begley said. "That dynamic is still present today. I’m told that Paul remains reluctant to do business with the Knicks, who are led by team president Leon Rose and executive vice president William Wesley. Rose and Wesley were both top agents at CAA before they took over the Knicks."

"So the Knicks' interest in Murray is a moot point at the moment. It will remain moot for the foreseeable future."

Begley notes that the Knicks are capable of putting together an attractive package capable of landing Murray. He could also try to convince Paul to work out a deal or truce with the Knicks' front office if he truly wanted to play in Manhattan. But Murray's representation, for the time being, presents a problem. 

Atlanta (12-17) is off the postseason bracket entirely at the Christmas landmark and could start to sell assets if they falter further. Murray, 27, requested a trade to the Hawks after a breakout season with San Antonio in 2021-22 but the franchise has struggled to generate any last prescience among the conference's contenders. This trade deadline could present an opportunity to hit the reset button and surround franchise face Trae Young with a new supporting cast. 

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Even if the Knicks (16-12) miss out on Murray, they could express interest in some of their other assets like Clint Capela, De'Andre Hunter, or Saddiq Bey.