Three mock Brooklyn Nets trades for Dejounte Murray

In February, PHLY Sports’ Kyle Nuebeck reported that the Brooklyn Nets were reportedly “monitoring” Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. There were rumors that he was traded at the deadline, however, Murray remained in Atlanta for the remainder of the Hawks’ 36-46 season.

Now it looks like he’s all but gone this summer, and Brooklyn can strike while the iron is hot. With no first-round picks in this year’s draft and limited cap space this summer, the Nets’ primary way to make a splash is through trade. They certainly have the upside for Murray.

Nets receive: Dejounte Murray, 2025 second-round pick (via MIN)

Hawks Receive: Cameron Johnson, Lonnie Walker IV, Dariq Whitehead 2025 First Round Pick (via PHX)

This is a scenario the Hawks would take if they decided to keep Trae Young. Johnson is a solid 3&D wing who adds depth off the bench given Atlanta’s current roster. Walker’s contract is up this summer, so Atlanta is expected to offer him a new deal, but last season he took full advantage of his minutes. The 25-year-old averaged 9.7 points on 38.4 percent shooting from deep in 17.4 minutes per game.

Dariq Whitehead is only 19 years old and has plenty of time to grow. To top it off, the Hawks will get Phoenix’s first-round pick next season, which would likely be in the second half of the round.

As for the Nets, they have Murray, who averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists last season. People forget that Murray once averaged a near triple-double while playing point guard for the San Antonio Spurs just two seasons ago. They get their franchise point guard and a distributor for Cam Thomas and Mikal Bridges.

The Nets receive: Dejounte Murray, Bogdan Bogdanovic

Hawks receive: Dorian Finney-Smith, Noah Clowney, 2025 first round pick (via PHX), 2027 first round pick (protected 1-8 via PHI), 2026 second round pick

It’s a win-win situation for both parties, but for opposite reasons. The Hawks are getting one of the league’s best perimeter defenders in Finney-Smith, but also a future. Noah Clowney is coming off an impressive finish to his rookie year, and with two firsts, Atlanta has a brighter future if they decide to move on from Young.

That’s not even the best part of this deal. The Hawks would save $24.5 million by trading Murray and Bogdanovic, who together made $42.6 million this season.

As for the Nets, they have their point guard and another potential starter in Bogdanovic, who averaged 16.9 points last season. It’s a risk, but the unselfishness of both players would work very well in Jordi Fernandez’s new offense, with a core of Murray, Thomas, Bridges, Bogdanovic and, if they decide to keep him, Nic Claxton.

Nets receive: Dejounte Murray, 2028 first-round pick (unprotected), 2025 second-round pick (via MIN)

Hawks receive: Cam Thomas, Cameron Johnson, 2027 first-round pick (via PHX)

This is a huge gamble for both parties, but it can also be a win-win. The Hawks see their future shaped by Thomas, with a solid veteran in Johnson, as well as Phoenix’s coveted 2027 first-round pick. In three years, who knows what the Suns will look like? If they blow it, this pick will be extremely valuable.

As for the Nets, even if they give up a valuable piece in Thomas, they get Murray, a former All-Star with immediate impact. That unprotected 2028 first-round pick may very well be just as valuable as Phoenix’s pick. Now that Murray is gone, and if the Hawks also trade Young, their rebuild makes this pick highly coveted.

Again, it’s a gamble for both sides, and I can understand why people in both fanbases would hate this trade, but the benefits for both teams are too great to pass up.

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