Dejounte Murray could be an ideal addition for the Warriors
Chris Paul’s tenure with the Golden State Warriors could come to an abrupt end during the summer.
Golden State would need to find a replacement for Paul, who has one year left on his current contract, which is worth $30.8 million for the season. Since that year is not guaranteed, the Warriors could decide to trade Paul or waive him and let him enter free agency.
One Western Conference executive, who spoke with Sean Deveney of Heavy on Sports under the condition of anonymity, suggested that the Warriors should look more closely at Dejounte Murray, an Atlanta Hawks guard who might be available via trade during the offseason.
“Of all the guys they might be able to trade for, he is probably realistic because he does not make a ton of money and they could add him, put him in Chris Paul’s spot, give up two first-round picks and now you’ve gotten some defense in there, you’ve got another scorer in there, you have a guy who make some sense,”
The executive said. “He’s 6-foot-5. He can guard three spots. He is an OK shooter, and he won’t break your bank.”
Murray is a high-level point-of-attack defender who can create for others and pressure the rim. He would instantly improve Steve Kerr’s rotation and give Golden State a younger, more mobile guard to help run the second unit.
The Warriors are expected to actively retool their roster this summer. After failing to make the postseason this season, some changes need to happen. Murray could be an ideal fit, helping to bridge the gap between the veteran core and younger players breaking through. Golden State would be wise to check on his availability.
Dejounte Murray
He participated in one season of collegiate basketball with the Washington Huskies, where as a freshman in 2015–16, he was named to the Pac-12 second team all-conference.
The San Antonio Spurs chose him with the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NBA draft. Murray led the NBA in steals and was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game in 2022. He leads the Spurs in triple-doubles scored during his career.