East team's trade interest in Dejounte Murray reportedly has 'cooled off'

Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray.

The New York Knicks are in the market for an additional point guard. They recently traded Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors as part of the OG Anunoby deal. As such, their roster could use another ball-handler.

Yet, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Knicks appear to have “cooled off” their interest in Dejounte Murray. The front office reportedly feels the Atlanta Hawks asking price is too high.

“I’ve touched on the Knicks as another team that was in the hunt for Murray,” Scotto said on The HoopsHype Podcast. “That has cooled off. New York currently feels the asking price for Murray is a bit too high right now. It’s one thing for a first-round pick, the expiring contract of Evan Fournier and Quentin Grimes. That package has been kicked around. But that extra first-round pick Atlanta is looking for hasn’t been something that New York has an appetite to move at this point.”

Outside of Atlanta’s asking price, Murray’s potential fit with Jalen Brunson is questionable. It’s difficult to see how it would work out differently from what we’ve seen with Murray and Trae Young. Brunson needs the ball in his hands to be at his best.

Murray is better suited to joining a team where he can be the lead guard. He could thrive in an environment where he’s entrusted with running the offense and generating shooting opportunities for his teammates. That freedom wouldn’t come in New York. Instead, Murray would be asked to play an off-ball role and focus on his perimeter defense.

By cooling their interest in Murray, the Knicks are running the risk of being short-handed in the guard department for the rest of the season. Yet, it’s better to be short-handed than it is to be tied to a guard that doesn’t fit your system and could become disgruntled.

Furthermore, the Knicks’ 11-2 record since acquiring Anunoby likely eases their urgency to find another ball-handler. As does their current five-game winning streak dating back to Jan. 15.

Murray’s trade market appears to be shrinking. The Lakers remain the most likely franchise to strike a deal for his services. It will be interesting to see how the Knicks pivot or if they choose to stand pat until the summer. Either way, New York is undoubtedly happy with the early return of the Anunoby trade and will have no regrets.

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