Trade proposal 'could entice' Nets to add All-Star guard ahead of Feb 8 deadline

Jan 19, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets coach Jacque Vaughn at a press conference
Jan 19, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets coach Jacque Vaughn at a press conference | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Brooklyn Nets may be on the outside looking in on a Play-In Tournament seed as we approach the February 8 trade deadline but, per reports, GM Sean Marks is still looking to make a move or two to help them embark on a second-half push and, in turn, wind up with a coveted top-10 slot in the conference standings.

From smaller-scale targets to blockbuster pursuits of All-Star talents, there have been a slew of hypothetical proposals made throughout the 2023-24 campaign that, in one way or another, bolster Jacque Vaughn's talent pool on the roster.

Recently, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto dipped his toes into the proverbial pool and concocted a trade scenario that, in his eyes, "could entice" the Nets to finally strike a trade for popular target, Dejounte Murray.

Trade scenario 'could entice' Nets to trade for Dejounte Murray

"Spencer Dinwiddie is the other prime trade candidate who could be moved by Brooklyn. As HoopsHype reported, Dinwiddie is unlikely to be a long-term piece beyond this season, league sources said.

Perhaps Dejounte Murray for a package involving Dinwiddie and a protected first-round pick could entice the Nets to trade for the former All-Star guard who’s owed up to $120.1 million over the next four years. However, it’s worth noting the Hawks have entered the week seeking two first-round picks in exchange for Murray and he also has a 15 percent trade kicker in his contract."
Michael Scotto

For the vast majority of this year's campaign, Murray has been the name most often linked to the Nets as being a possible trade target, with rumblings surfacing back in January that the franchise has had "known interest" in pursuing the All-Star guard.

A tremendous two-way player, currently in his second season with the Atlanta Hawks the point guard finds himself posting impressive per-game averages of 21.5 points, 5.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals on a highly efficient 46.8 percent shooting from the floor and 36.8 percent shooting from deep all while playing his less-natural role of secondary playmaker and ball handler alongside Trae Young.

On the Nets, Murray would be able to slide right back into a primary point guard position, a role he excelled in during his stint with the Spurs (averaged 21.1 points, 9.2 assists, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals during his final season in San Antonio), which could only stand to benefit guys like Mikal Bridges, Cam Thomas, and Nic Claxton who desperately need an upgrade at the one to help their games flourish.

Along with aiding in their efforts of contending for their sixth-straight playoff berth, considering he's only 27 years old and is under contract through the next four seasons, attaining the stud guard would be a long-term investment for the club, something they are seemingly coveting as they attempt to build a contender with a core consisting of the previously mentioned young ballers.

At the price point Scotto suggested, the Nets would be foolish to allow this opportunity go ahead of Thursday's deadline.

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