CONFIRMED – A $114 million star and Steph Curry are traded to the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, have won four titles in ten seasons. This summer, they plan to rebuild and try to win a fifth in 2024–2025.

In a blog published on June 25, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes advocates for a trade for Atlanta Hawks player Dejounte Murray.

Andrew Wiggins, a 2026 second-round pick (via ATL), and a 2028 first-round pick are received by Atlanta.

Murray is received by Golden State.

Murray recently completed his second season with the Hawks in his seventh NBA season. He averaged 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 78 regular-season games.

It has long been known that Atlanta wants to split up Murray and Trae Young, their starting backcourt. Aside from Wiggins’ pay, the Warriors have limited other options for roster modifications.

Murray Makes the Backcourt Defensive

The defensive upside makes dealing for Murray one of the more alluring options.

Hughes stated on June 25 that “meanwhile, Golden State onboards a player in Murray who could offset the possible departures of both Klay Thompson and Chris Paul.” “While protecting Stephen Curry from the most difficult defensive situations.”

The Hawks acquired Murray for the same purpose. Nevertheless, in their two seasons together, the two guards from Atlanta never clicked.

Cleaning the Glass reports that the Hawks allowed 123 points per 100 possessions and were outscored by 6.3 points per 100 possessions in 2,525 possessions with their starting backcourt on the court.

The squad outscored opponents by 0.8 points per 100 possessions with only Murray on the court, while giving up 118.3 points per.

Additionally, the squad outscored opponents by 3.1 points while allowing 119.1 points per game with only Young on the court.

Murray, an above-average defender, was unable to overcome Young’s shortcomings on that side of the ball, to put it briefly. He will improve his defense and scoring skills by playing next to Curry, a defensive magnet.

Free Agency Insurance is Murray.

As Hughes points out, Murray also allays worries about Chris Paul and Klay Thompson’s possible losses due to free agency.

However, Paul is not a free agent. The $30 million salary of the 12-time All-Star is guaranteed as of June 28.

According to Marc Stein, Golden State’s front management is attempting to arrange Paul’s trade in advance of the 2024 NBA Draft.

In a June 24 newsletter, Stein stated, “League sources say the Warriors have continued to explore their trade options with Paul’s trade-friendly contract in conjunction with Wednesday’s draft.” “As well as the possibility of delaying the Friday deadline until July in the event that Paul agrees to that modification.”

In 58 games with the Warriors, Paul averaged 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals.

Thompson’s argument is not as one-sided. The 12-year veteran is a free agent without restrictions and has only ever played backcourt with Curry.

There are no talks between Thompson and the Warriors, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic.

On June 22, Slater wrote, “There isn’t a one-year, two-year, or three-year deal on the table, despite a wide open negotiation window.” “Because league sources say nothing is on the table right now. The Warriors and Thompson or his delegates have not had any fruitful conversations.

At a news conference on June 24, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. made clear the team’s position regarding Thompson’s free agency. “We desire his return,” Dunleavy informed reporters.

Thompson is seeking a remuneration that he probably deserves from a squad he has four championships with. But they can’t give him what he wants if they want to give themselves a chance to win a fifth.

Any worries regarding Paul and Thompson’s future are eliminated by a deal for Murray. However, that does not make it any less important to optimize their exits.