3 mock trades that land All-Star level players in Brooklyn
By Jed Katz
![Jan 20, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) looks to pass the Jan 20, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) looks to pass the](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2633,h_1481,x_0,y_152/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/155/01hgvs7fjn53x78880ef.jpg)
1. Trade Target: Dejounte Murray
Nets receive: Dejounte Murray, Bogdan Bogdanovic
Hawks receive: Ben Simmons, Cam Thomas, 2025 first-round pick (via PHX), 2028 first-round pick (unprotected), 2026 second-round pick
This is a very strange trade, and on the surface, it doesn't look like it makes sense, but the metrics show this to be a win-win for both sides.
Dejounte Murray is a tall guard who can provide a spark on both sides of the ball, but unfortunately, his tenure in Atlanta is not working out so far, with the Hawks currently sitting at the 10th seed in the East.
Ben Simmons, although lacking the same offensive presence as Murray, can create shots for others, allowing shooters like De'Andre Hunter and, now, Cam Thomas to space the floor while assisting Clint Capela down low. Thomas replaces Murray's offensive impact as a potential sixth man or starting shooting guard.
DJ brought out the WINDMILL 😮 pic.twitter.com/qtxwvKfZI5
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 2, 2023
The Hawks get some draft picks to go along with Simmons and Thomas, and while that may seem like a lot to give up for Murray and a big contract in Bogdan Bogdanovic, people forget that Murray's actual position is at the one.
While a point guard with the San Antonio Spurs, Murray averaged 21.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 2.0 steals in 2021-22. Bogdanovic is also showing very good production this season, averaging 15.7 points.
This trade would have to get done after January 6 because that is when Murray is eligible to be traded due to contract negotiations over the summer. However, I think this trade provides a good reset button for both teams in similar positions while still allowing them to compete for a solid playoff spot.
Brooklyn's starting 5 post-trade:
PG: Dejounte Murray
SG: Bogdan Bogdanovic
SF: Mikal Bridges
PF: Cameron Johnson
C: Nic Claxton
Projected impact: +2-5 wins
NBA Rumors: NBA Executives monitoring two Brooklyn veterans. NBA Rumors: NBA Executives monitoring two Brooklyn veterans. dark. Next