Why Knicks Should Get Over Dejounte Murray Trade Hang-Up

Dejounte Murray seems to be a solid fit for the New York Knicks but his Klutch Sports representation might get in the way.

The New York Knicks' search for a star via trade has appeared to have turned to Atlanta Hawks shooter Dejounte Murray. 

Mike Cruz of ClutchPoints is the latest to suggest that the Knicks deal for Murray, proposing a trade that would send Immanuel Quickley, Evan Fournier, and two future first-round picks to the Hawk in exchange for the seventh-year guard.

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"(Murray's) playmaking ability could also ease some of the ballhandling duties from Jalen Brunson, who could thrive with more scoring opportunities off the ball," Cruz writes. "A majority of Brunson's triples still come from pull-ups. Though he still shoots them at an efficient 42.9 percent (on 3.9 attempts), he is much better when shooting off the catch — 48.3 percent on 2.3 attempts. Murray's presence could present Brunson with more catch-and-shoot opportunities and become an even deadlier weapon from long distance."

The catch, as previously reported by Ian Begley of SNY, is that the Knicks have had a poor negotiating relationship with clients of Klutch Sports, run by Rich Paul. Those represented by Klutch, such as Zach LaVine, have reportedly been unwilling to move to the Knicks due to president Leon Rose's connections to Creative Artists Agency. 

But considering the Knicks' needs at this point of the season, it'd perhaps be wise to seek a truce with Paul.

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

Even though Murray's offense would be a great compliment to the Knicks' stars, his real calling card is his defense, which would no doubt be valued by head coach Tom Thibodeau. Having an established two-way star could be the difference they're seeking as they try to get over the second-round hump in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

As they seek a game-changing star, the Knicks (17-13) are back in action on Friday when they face the Orlando Magic (7 p.m. ET, MSG).