The Knicks desperately need to find point guard support at the trade deadline, especially with Derrick Rose out several more weeks due to ankle surgery. Alec Burks and Kemba Walker aren’t cutting it as floor generals, offering solid offensive production but lacking in assists and facilitation.
The Knicks have connected to a myriad of different players in recent weeks, but one report suggests a dream scenario involving San Antonio Spurs PG Dejounte Murray.
What would Dejounte Murray bring to the Knicks?
Murray is an incredibly intriguing player for the Knicks given his defensive capabilities and solid scoring attributes. At 25 years old, Murray is averaging 19.3 points, 9.0 assists, 7.1 defensive rebounds, and shooting 32% from deep this season. Three years after tearing his ACL in 2018, Murray seems to be back at full strength, acting as a legitimate point guard on a team that may view him as expendable considering their record at 18–30.
In San Antonio’s most recent went over the Houston Rockets, Murray contributed 19 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds. He did all of that in just 24 minutes of action.
The Knicks could use a talented point guard like Dejounte, especially since in the month of January he’s averaging 23 points and 9.7 assists per game.
Alternatively, the Knicks could wait out Rose’s rehabilitation, but even with him in the lineup, they struggle with the starting five. Walker and Burks aren’t capable of leading the charge on offense, which has put more pressure on Julius Randle and forced RJ Barrett to pick up the slack, which he’s done admirably.
For the Knicks to acquire Murray in the first place it would take a massive haul. You would immediately have to include players like Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley, two developing athletes who offer a range of different skills.
Toppin is dominant in transition with his dunking capabilities, while Quickley can play multiple guard spots and feature in a change of pace role. His defense has taken a massive step forward, which could be an intriguing factor.
Via the ESPN NBA trade machine, a deal that would theoretically process includes Toppin, Quickley, and newly acquired small forward, Cam Reddish. Of course, that would include a huge departure of young players the Knicks are excited about, but Murray is established and would contribute instantly as a starting point guard.
In addition, Murray is on a great contract, signing a four-year, $64 million deal in 2020. He has two seasons left on his deal after the current campaign, earning $16.5 and $17.7 million AAV.
It all depends on if San Antonio would be willing to part ways with Murray in the first place, but if I were the Knicks, I would undoubtedly give them a call and inquire about his availability.
[wpdiscuz-feedback id=”lz9tf6h7fb” question=”What do you think?” opened=”0″]What do you think about the prospect of testing San Antonio for Dejounte Murray in a potential trade? Comment here![/wpdiscuz-feedback]