Inside The Nets

Brian Windhorst drops trade hint amidst Brooklyn's woes

ESPN analyst hints that the Nets could be in the mix for Hawks star.

Peter Sunjic

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Considering the discouraging signs and recent performances that they've been demonstrating, it appears that the Brooklyn Nets could be in a position for a needed roster remodeling.

After flashing a promising 13-10 season start, the Nets proceeded to drop 13 of their last 16 games, which now lands them with a horrendous 16-23 record. As they got marred by injuries and inconsistencies, a troubling stretch entered accordingly that brought them on the cusp of leaving the Eastern Conference’s 10th place.

As they might be looking for an immediate solution to patch up their bleeding, the Nets got suddenly linked up with one of the most notable trade candidates heading to the February 8 trade deadline.

Nets a team to watch in the Dejounte Murray trade?

In the latest episode of The Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst hinted that the Nets could be one of the teams that tapped the availability of Dejounte Murray.

As there were plenty of favorite teams that emerged interested in acquiring Dejounte, Windhorst pointed out that all must “keep an eye” on Brooklyn in potentially trading for the Atlanta Hawks star.

"I know that the Lakers & Hawks have talked, and I know it was like, 'OK, check back after January 15.' What [Adrian Wojnarowski] is saying is it's not just the Lakers. And I know the Knicks have been tied in—I would keep an eye on the Nets”

Assessing the Nets’ trade case for Murray

Murray, 27, is currently in his second season in Atlanta, in which he's averaging 21.1 points, 4.9 assists and 4.6 boards. In hopes of finding a backcourt pair for franchise leader Trae Young, he was acquired by the Hawks in a 2022 blockbuster trade with the Spurs that saw three first-round picks landing in San Antonio.

As the Hawks are currently out of the Play-In picture with a 16-23 record, it is now evident that their Young-Murray experiment has failed to materialize under coach Quin Snyder. This makes Dejounte one of the most frequent components of trade chatter this season.

The Nets have considerable pieces that they can offer to work a Murray trade. They have expiring contracts like Spencer Dinwiddie and Royce O'Neale, a young asset in Cam Thomas, and a replenished draft chest thanks to last year's Kevin Durant trade. Obtaining Murray gives them a main two-way floor general who can steer the ship and could be considered the main guy for this Brooklyn team that doesn't have a definite No. 1 player.

Upon this hint that was delivered by Windhorst, it is worth monitoring what the next things that will unravel in the Murray sweepstakes would be, as the Nets have significant motives and pieces to pull the trigger to save their season.

Brooklyn suffers a brutal 95-96 loss to the Miami Heat

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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