NBA Rumors: Top 3 Trade Destinations For Dejounte Murray

With word dropping over the weekend that the Atlanta Hawks may be ready to part with former All-Star guard Dejounte Murray, several trade partners have started to emerge. 

With Murray owed $18.2M next season, the Hawks can only offer an extension starting at $25.4M, which would likely be below his asking price. In addition, the Hawks face some luxury tax issues. This all may price Murray out of the ATL.

With that in mind, here are three top trade destinations for the 2022 All-Star:

Portland Trail Blazers

With Damian Lillard pushing for the Blazers to add win-now talent, this would be an ideal landing spot for Murray. Portland has the No. 3 overall pick in the draft to offer, and/or 21-PPG scorer Anfernee Simons. With Murray still being just 26, Portland would get to replace one young star piece (Simons, 24), with another, much better, two-way star guard. 

Houston Rockets

Another top pick in this year's draft could entice the Hawks as well. The Rockets own the No. 4 overall pick and some nice young pieces that could go in return to Atlanta. The Athletic's Kelly Iko even proposes adding John Collins to make this a blockbuster deal that would also give the Blazers another big man up front, and another proven performer to satisfy Lillard.

Los Angeles Lakers

Ah yes, never count out the Lakers when talks turn to teams looking to add a talented star player. A  combo guard who plays both sides of the ball would fit perfectly on this Lakers squad. 

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