How the Hawks acquiring Dejounte Murray affects both Atlanta and San Antonio

The NBA free agency period is right around the corner, but Adrian Wojnarowski did not wait to give us the latest news.

According to the ESPN Insider, the San Antonio Spurs have traded guard Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks for forward Danilo Gallinari, three first-round draft picks, and a pick swap.

This is a trade that places both franchises on clearer paths; Atlanta is trying to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals, and San Antonio is committing to rebuilding their team the way they haven’t since trading Kawhi Leonard.

Not only have the Spurs not won a playoff series since trading the 31-year-old shooting guard, but they also haven’t picked higher than No. 9 in the draft. Trading their best player at the age of 25 is certainly a risk.

But so is using up the Hawks’ best future assets for Murray.

Atlanta Hawks gain on Murray trade

With the Eastern Conference at its most talented since Michael Jordan retired, the Hawks knew they had to make a big move to break through in their division. Trading three picks for Murray was the best possible outcome.

Murray made his first All-Star team last season averaging 21.1 points, 9.2 assists and 8.3 rebounds per game, while leading the league in steals with 138 (2.0 per game) on the season. In addition, he leverages his length (6′10 wingspan) and rapid hands to smother small guards at the point of attack, demonstrating his outstanding defending skills. He’s also showed incredible growth as an offensive player for the last three years, since returning from a torn ACL in 2018. He improved his scoring average from 10.9 points to 15.7 points to 21.1 points per game.

How Dejounte Murray compliments Trae Young

And while the Boston Celtics certainly had the capital to acquire the Seattle-born in a deal, and were considered a possible destination for the All-Star point guard, the Hawks’ plan to form an intimidating backcourt next to Trae Young has to bring Atlanta closer to a title.