Nets interested in Dejounte Murray, but not for what Hawks seek

The Brooklyn Nets are trying to get things turned around and like a lot of teams, have trade interest in available Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

But the Nets don’t necessarily want to pay too steep a price.

“Thus far, Brooklyn is shying away from Atlanta’s asking price of at least two first-round picks for Murray, HoopsHype has learned,” Scotto wrote. “Since December 26, the Nets have won only one game, with a Friday night matchup against the Lakers next on their schedule.”

Brooklyn does indeed seem to be spinning its wheels since landing forwards Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson from the Phoenix Suns last season. Expectations weren’t super high — but the Nets were predicted to be better than they’ve been so far.

Murray does view the Nets as an ideal trade destination, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. But clearly, such a maneuver won’t be easy.

Either way, the Hawks are expected to move Murray ahead of the Feb. 8 deadline. He is also said to be drawing strong interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as some from the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and lowly Detroit Pistons.

Murray, 27, is averaging 21.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists, shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 38 percent on 3-pointers. He is making $17.7 million after signing a four-year, $114 million extension with the Hawks in July.

A one-time All-Star, Murray was named to the 2017-18 All-Defensive Second Team and claimed the 2021-22 steals title. He carries NBA career averages of  14.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.4 steals with the Spurs and Hawks.

As we relayed here, Atlanta seems to believe the Murray-Trae Young pairing “isn’t working” and has run its course.