Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, whose name has been mentioned prominently in trade circles, made an interesting comment during Monday’s TNT broadcast. In an interview with Dennis Scott relayed by Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs (Twitter link), Murray indicated he wouldn’t mind playing for Spurs coach Gregg Popovich again.
“Pop is like a father to me, I would welcome that,” Murray said. “But right now, I’m a Hawk, I’m going to stay professional and play the right way.”
The Hawks gave up three first-rounders in a package to acquire Murray from San Antonio in the summer of 2022.
We have more on the Hawks:
- They are on a fast track toward major changes, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer opines. While a Trae Young trade probably won’t happen this season, it may come to a point where Young and the franchise decide it’s best if he goes elsewhere to pursue a title. In the mean time, the Hawks may sit Young later in the season if they keep losing in order to improve their lottery odds.
- In terms of Murray, O’Connor reports that the Hawks are asking for two first-round picks as part of the package but no one has met their demands. O’Connor adds that Murray would prefer to play for a contender, although the Spurs would seem to be the exception.
- Fourth-year guard Trent Forrest has carved out a rotation spot, Lauren Williams of the Atlanta Journal Constitution tweets. He’s averaging 16 minutes per game this month. Forrest is on a two-way deal.
- Young reached a milestone in the Hawks’ 10-point win over San Antonio on Monday. He passed 10,000 points for his career while scoring 36 against the Spurs. “It was not on my mind at all,” Young said, as relayed by the Associated Press’ Charles Odum. “I was just trying to go out there and win and put on a show.”