3 mock trades that land All-Star level players in Brooklyn

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.

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