Dejounte Murray of the Hawks refutes claims that the Jazz rejected a trade involving SG and Keyonte George.
Despite the fact that Murray was the subject of trade rumors this season, he took offense when he revealed on social media that the Utah Jazz had rejected their offer to acquire him in exchange for rookie guard Keyonte George:
In an earlier episode of the Jazz Notes podcast, Ben Anderson of Utah’s KSL Sports stated, “I will tell you that there was some talk about Dejounte Murray to the Jazz at the trade deadline, and it was going to cost the Jazz Keyonte George, and the Jazz said no.”
Utah took George with the 16th overall pick in the 2023 draft. He continued, appearing in 75 games with 44 starts, averaging 13.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, and was chosen for the All-Rookie second team on Monday. Given that they are in the midst of a rebuild and finished 31โ51 last season, it makes sense that the Jazz would be reluctant to part with him.
But it would be astonishing to pass up the chance to acquire Murray. In 78 starts this past season, the former All-Star averaged a career-high 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists.
Despite the Hawks’ lack of success since Murray was acquired in 2022, they have a critical summer ahead of them as they must decide whether to move forward with the dynamic backcourt of Trae Young and Murray. In an effort to get back into the race for the championship the following season, Murray or Young may be traded by Atlanta, which also holds the first pick in the 2024 draft.