A new report claims that a star guard from an Eastern Conference rival could be a top target for the New York Knicks before the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline.
After catching fire in November and seemingly fixing the ills from earlier in the season, the Knicks suffered a major setback in December. Just when it looked like Mitchell Robinson was starting to reach his potential as the team’s defensive anchor and lead rebounder, he suffered another major injury that will sideline him for a significant amount of time.
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While the organization is hoping he can return in time for the playoffs, recent reports suggest his ankle injury could be season-ending. The assumption would be that filling that void would be a top priority for the team before the NBA trade deadline, however, it seems that the organization may instead be looking to make up their new defensive deficiencies with an even better offense.
New York Knicks could make Dejounte Murry a top target before NBA trade deadline
On Sunday, SNY New York Knicks insider Ian Begley reported that “some prominent members of the organization see Atlanta’s Dejounte Murray as an ideal trade target.”
Despite having a star-studded backcourt featuring Murray and Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks have struggled in 2023. Even with a full training camp for new head coach Quin Snyder, the team owns a 12-17 heading into the holidays and is currently outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture. So there is a strong possibility they could look to move him in the next month.
Related: New York Knicks seemingly make top trade chip untouchable ahead of Feb. 8 trade deadline
The Knicks reportedly had interest in the one-time All-Star before he was traded to the Hawks by the Spurs in 2022. Atlanta could be an option to address multiple needs with rumblings that defensive ace and center Clint Capela might also be available before the deadline.
- Dejounte Murray stats (2023): 20.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 38% 3PT
New York has nine first-round picks in the next five drafts and certainly has the assets to swing a trade for both before Feb. 8.
Despite Jalen Brunson growing into a legitimate superstar during his first season and a half in Gotham, the organization has consistently tried to add another star guard to pair with him in the backcourt. Brunson went to the 2022 Western Conference Finals as a member of the Mavericks and was part of a dynamic backcourt with superstar guard Luka Doncic.