Con No. 2) Murray's contract is up after this season
Of course, dealing for Murray comes with more baggage than just on-court production, and, by trading for the Washington product, it comes with a risk of losing him in about five months due to his current contract details. Murray's four-year, $64 million deal is set to expire after the 2023-24 season, making him an unrestricted free agent this upcoming summer.
The Brooklyn Nets would only be smart to acquire Murray if they knew they could re-up with his services during the coming offseason. Without such a promise, they would just be giving up assets for a second-half rental.
They would have to prove to him that they have the capability of winning both in the now and, more realistically, in the future.
The #Hawks don't have to settle for less than what they want for Dejounte Murray. He's under contract for four more seasons.
— D-Rock (@D_Rock_in_BKLYN) January 18, 2024
If the #Nets acquire him, does that translate into making the Play-IN Tournament?
How about if you add Murray and Wendell Carter, Jr.? 6th seed?
Bridges and Murray would be a great defensive duo that could definitely give teams some problems... during the regular season. There's certainly no guarantee after this trade that Brooklyn would be competitive with their current personnel because Atlanta's asking price is rumored to be rather significant.
In all likelihood, the Nets would have to give up a lot for someone of Murray's caliber, including one of four players: Bridges, Thomas, Simmons, or Dinwiddie, plus picks.
If Murray decides he doesn't want to play for a team with no real direction, which is more than possible and respectable, he has the right to leave, with the Nets not being able to match any offers to force him to stay.