Cavs should try to trade for perfect fit Dejounte Murray

The NBA rumor mill never stops, and it’s not always clear which rumors are smoke and which ones are fire. The Washington Wizards offering the 10th overall pick for Malcolm Brogdon? That was probably smoke. The Nets and Kyrie Irving on the verge of a nasty divorce? Three-alarm fire.

Initially, rumors of the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks discussing a deal for Dejounte Murray were considered smoke. But over the last couple of days it has increasingly seemed that the Spurs actually are looking into trading their young All-Star point guard. If that is the case, the Cleveland Cavaliers need to find a way to get into those trade discussions.

The San Antonio Spurs are reportedly open to trading All-Star guard Dejoute Murray. If true, the Cavs need to find a way to trade for this perfect fit.

Currently it appears that the Spurs and Hawks are continuing their discussions, with the Spurs reportedly considering a trade package of multiple first-round picks and an expiring contract.

Whether that means the Spurs are tanking for Victor Wembanyama at the top of the 2023 NBA Draft or simply trying to move Murray at the top of his value, that seems like a low return for a two-way player like Murray and something the Cavs could top if they leaped into the deal.

The Hawks are trying to get a big guard who can defend to pair with Trae Young and handle enough to weaponize Young off-ball; they tried that with Delon Wright last season and are trying to find the higher-level version of such a move. The Cavs have their own small, on-ball star with the shooting to move off-ball; let’s look into why they should dive into the trade fray and try to come away with Dejounte Murray.

Cavs should try to trade for Dejounte Murray: What a trade would look like

At first glance, a trade package for Dejounte Murray would figure to be steep. Murray is more expensive than Darius Garland but likewise made the All-Star Game last season for the first time. While he is not much of an outside shooter, he is one of the very best defensive guards in the game.

Yet the Spurs are reportedly not looking for multiple blue-chip prospects in return for Murray; they seem to be after draft capital. The Cavs would need to match salary to trade for Murray, who makes $16.57 next season. That could come by pairing two contracts such as Cedi Osman and Isaac Okoro, or more likely by sending Caris LeVert to the Spurs.

The Spurs could use his secondary ball-handling and could showcase him before flipping him at the deadline. The Cavs would then send a couple of draft picks to the Spurs; perhaps their 2025 and 2027, Top-8 protected or something along those lines.

The Cavs wouldn’t have to move Lauri Markkanen in this scenario, who is more valuable to the Cavs because of his shooting versatility in the frontcourt and long-term viability to replace Kevin Love’s role. Markkanen is less valuable to the Spurs because of his long contract, as the Spurs want to clear space for next offseason and beyond.

Cavs should try to trade for perfect fit Dejounte Murray: How Murray would fit

Darius Garland is a dynamic player with the ball in his hands, comfortable pulling up from outside the arc or driving into the teeth of the defense for his patented floater. He has excellent chemistry with both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley in the pick-and-roll, and he is already one of the very best lob throwers in the league. The Cavs are dangerous when Garland is running the offense.

And yet, the Cavs’ very best lineups last season came when Garland shared the court with another point guard, Ricky Rubio. Garland is more Stephen Curry than Luka Doncic (or, to this point, even Trae Young). He loves to run off screens, and his shot is versatile enough for him to pull-up off movement. If the defense rotates to contest he can then drive into a compromised defense and force more decisions on the back line.

Dejoute Murray is a really solid ball-handler and can score all around the paint, from layups at the rim to floaters to mid-range jumpers. He has the size at 6’4″ to see over the defense to some extent, and a defense trying to stop Jarrett Allen on the roll and Ochai Agbaji in the slot and Darius Garland sprinting off of an Evan Mobley screen…well, they’re in trouble.

The defensive end is where the fit becomes immaculate. Murray has a 6’10” wingspan and a preternatural ability to generate steals. He led the league in steals per game last season and is in the mix for the All-Defense teams every season. He can guard the most intimidating player 1-3 on the opposing team and free up Garland for the easiest assignment.

Playing Murray, a career 33 percent 3-point shooter, alongside Allen and Mobley could make spacing difficult, but his deep skill level will help to balance that out. He solves the backup point guard problem, makes for a perfect backcourt fit with Garland and is just 25 years old. The fit on this roster is sublime.

Cavs should try to trade for perfect fit Dejounte Murray: Final Thoughts

There is a limit to every trade offer. The Cavs can’t offer every draft pick they own, plus all of their recent draft picks. Building a deal for Dejounte Murray has to be balanced with the long-term future of this team.

Yet if what the Spurs want is an expiring deal and future draft picks, the Cavs should pounce. Now. They have a dynamic young core in place, and adding Murray would give them a fourth star to build upon. This team can expect to be really good for a long time with such a complementary collection of stars, especially with the defensive backbone of Murray, Mobley and Allen.

The Spurs may not actually be shopping Murray, or if they are they may want something so specific that only the Hawks can provide it. Yet thus far the return being reported is subpar, and the Cavs can surely leap in and trump it with a better offer.

Dejoute Murray fits this team’s timeline, he fits their roster needs and he is on a reasonable deal that fits their salary books. The price seems like something they can afford to pay. Koby Altman needs to be on the phone right now finding a way to bring another All-Star to Cleveland.