Insider Dishes Surprising Rumor About Hawks' Trae Young and Dejounte Murray

The name Dejounte Murray was heard more than just about any other around the NBA just before the trade deadline, but the Atlanta Hawks decided to stay the course and keep the combo guard. But since the deadline has passed, his backcourt mate Trae Young has heard his name mentioned as well, as a possible trade candidate after the season.

Now, according to NBA insider Marc Stein, it appears that one or the other must go. Stein says the Hawks now "know" they must trade either Young or Murray this coming off-season. Both are represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. 

When the two were paired together last season after Murray was acquired from the San Antonio Spurs, it was thought that Atlanta had the makings of a superstar backcourt that could lead the team deep into the playoffs. But it simply hasn't worked out that way, to say the least.

But Stein isn't the only one suggesting that Young could go rather than Murray. NBA insider Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer has reported that the Hawks are “highly likely” to trade Young this summer. He's in the middle of a five-year, $215 million contract with a salary of $43 million due next season.

Murray, in the first year of a four-year extension worth $114 million, is averaging 21.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.3 steals, while shooting 36.4% from three-point range this year with the Hawks, and certainly provides work on the defensive end that Young cannot. 

Young, however, is a three-time All-Star, and would bring back a much bigger haul for the Hawks, should they decide to move on from their explosive point guard. The 25-year-old is averaging 26.7 points, 10.9 assists and 1.4 steals, the latter two being a career high. He's also shooting over 37% from long range. 

Rumors surfaced after the trade deadline that the Hawks actually did discuss a deal involving Young with the Spurs earlier this month, but nothing was consummated.

The Hawks have had another disappointing season this year, at 24-31 and just barely hanging onto the final Play-In spot (10th) in the Eastern Conference.

 Photo: James A. Pittman-USA TODAY Sports