Charania: Spurs Have Exploratory Interest In Murray

[My Fault]

The Spurs are in their second year of play top-five-pick bad, and folks are absolutely freaking out. It's mind-boggling. No, Wemby's not going to leave in year six because the Spurs weren't compe ive in year 1. No, you don't tank for one year and then go all-in. No, literally no team that tries to be immediately compe ive immediately after bottoming out succeeds. Just let this season go. For 's sake. Falling over for dude's like Quickley or Murray to the point where we see thread after thread of vitriol about the front office not trying to acquire someone -- it's just sad. They're playing Wemby at center. They have Jones starting. They finally look like a competent team that's playing improved ball but still losing. That's where you should want to be at this point. Instead, people want to make a Holliday (from Philly) panic trade, giving up current value and devaluing future assets. It's ridiculous.

Yes, PATFO can up the rebuild. Yes, the Spurs could find themselves in an endless sequence of tanking. Technically these scenarios are possible. But it shows a tremendous lack of perspective to project that based on this season. They have not built the base of talent they need to. They have one top-five pick and two top-10 picks on their roster. (I'm not counting Collins.) They have a chance to double those totals this season. This is not a highly rated draft, but every single draft has good players come out of it. Yes it's worth it to get those picks. We should also remember who Murray was as a Spur. A lot of the people calling for him now were perfectly happy to trade him before. He's a good player, but a limited one. The team isn't at the point where he'd make sense.

I've seen folks saying that DJM would end up being the fourth-best player behind Wemby, Vassell and the pick the Spurs get in this draft. That carries one of two lines of reasoning:

A) The Spurs aren't going to get out of the top-five even if the traded for Murray.

B) The Spurs are going to get out of the top-five, but the pick they use still has a decent chance to be better than Murray. (I'm gonna be generous here and pretend that Murray would be around for more than the next four years and we're talking about the prospect after he matures rather than suggesting he's going to be better than Murray after just a year or two in the league).

If A) is true, why are folks clamoring to make this trade again? Jones is perfectly competent to run the team as it stands. I'm one of the posters who spoke out most against the "Expensive Mistake" mantra. But trading real assets and committing solid money to a guy who doesn't move the needle seems unideal.

If B) is true, why are folks clamoring to make this trade again? The Spurs would have a chance to draft two players who could be better than Murray and keep future cap space open. They could make a future trade -- , even a future Murray trade. That would make way more sense if you trust Wright's skill enough to project him drafting a better than fringe All-Star player in the 6-10 range.

I think folks need to get over the fear response that Kawhi asking out seems to have instilled in them. We all have ideas for what moves we'd like the team to make. That's normal. I think if most of us are honest with ourselves, we'd realize we often advocate for things that turn out to be bad decisions pretty often. Whether it's trying to trade two first-rounders for Taurean Prince or urging the team to offer big contracts to John Collins and Zach Lavine, we say stuff in the moment and get to move on knowing we don't actually have to get it right. That doesn't mean a Murray trade, were it to happen, would be a bad outcome. I think there are definite plus and hypothetical paths for it to be the start of a turn-around. I'm more just saying to stop getting stressed out over it. Rebuilding is going to take years -- actual years of our finite lives. It's not always going to be fun, and it's perfectly okay to take a step back from the team for a bit if you don't like the inevitable wait. There are plenty of reasons to stick around to watch right now in my opinion, but I don't think that winning is going to be one of those reasons for a bit if the team actually goes through the process I think it needs to in order to build a contender.

Finally some sense amongst all the stupidity

[Davidicus]

Rebuilding is marginal, not black or white. We’re not going to tank for x years, and then afterwards all of the sudden decide we’re going to compete! Sign all FAs, start trading all picks, all in one offseason and ok playoffs next year!

As we get marginally better, our draft picks will get marginally worse. Trading for DJM isn’t going to crater our 2024 pick, nor affect TOR pick. At least not statistically substantially. All for who exactly in this years draft? Who should we absolutely maximize another 2-10% chance to get by doing absolutely nothing no matter what opportunity comes by?

Not to mention we hold CHI, ATL, BOS, and DAL in our future.

DJM is worth that trade, he is a building block for the short and mid term future. That’s just my opinion, and others on the board agree or disagree. But the idea of all or nothing in rebuild just isn’t reality, especially when we already have VICTOR EFFING WEMBANYAMA. Ultra tanking for a higher % chance at Sarr, Flagg, or Boozer, saying no to everything else, is the smart thing to do?

[My Fault]

A Chris Paul Type PG From The Draft Isn’t Walking Through That Door. The Scenario People Want Is A Middling Prospect Type Like Anthony Black Or Derrick White In The Lottery Who Will Take Years To Learn The System And People Want A Lesser Type Vet Than Murray, Say Someone Like Schroder Or I Don’t Know, TJ McConnell— Cheap Players Who Would Start Until The Rook Is Ready And People Think There Is Some Kind Of Linear Progression From That? That Would Be Like LeBron’s Early Years Being Stuck With Z Igauskas And Larry Hughes… Because The Cavs Were Too Cheap And Pseudo-Savvy With Their Moves To Take Any Meaningful Risks. And Murray Is Hardly A Risk At His Current Salary And What We’d Ideally Give Up.

So Go On Guys, Let’s Waste Wemby’s Early Years By Being The Cavs Of Yesteryear Or Let’s Root For Having An Actual Plan In Place Where We Aren’t Praying For A Rando PG Prospect To Become The Next Tony Parker Without Any Veteran Support. The Spurs Can Do Both Develop And Compete, These Aren’t Mutually Exclusive.

I’ve enjoyed your takes in the past but right now you’re being emotional and not logical

[rascal]

I have absolutely no problem with exploring a cheap trade for Murray but I don't believe for a second ATL would consider taking a reasonable offer from the Spurs for Murray simply because of how badly they would be roasted in the media for it. This thread is a lot of speculation for something that has almost no shot of happening. IDGAF what Shams is reporting.

This

Let's give Atlanta an obvious low ball offer and think that it's going to get Murray isn't going to work.

[Dejounte]

I’ve enjoyed your takes in the past but right now you’re being emotional and not logical

My Fault

[SpurSpike]

Atlanta is teeter tottering on a full rebuild vs a shuffle, perhaps we are looking at the wrong Atlanta guard...

Trae Young has always made it clear he wants to be paired with another all star caliber player. Wemby is a sure fire future all star...

Young has commented on Spurs media before saying things along the line of "that's an easy lob"

According to this source, if Atlanta does blow it up and Young is to be traded Young's camp would be open to pairing Young with Wemby...

https://www.actionnetwork.com/nba/nba-trade-intel-dejounte-murray-trae-young-intrigue

[Dejounte]

If It Was For Trae, I’d Give Up Vassell, Our Top Pick This Year, And Maybe Even Give Back All Their Firsts.

That Duo Would Be Comparable To Giannis And Lillard.

[mo7888]

If It Was For Trae, I’d Give Up Vassell, Our Top Pick This Year, And Maybe Even Give Back All Their Firsts.

That Duo Would Be Comparable To Giannis And Lillard.

I'd try to include Keldon and keep Devin, but yea, I'd give a haul for sure.

[Dejounte]

I'd try to include Keldon and keep Devin, but yea, I'd give a haul for sure.

Yeah I Would Too. I Was Attempting To Be Realistic

[SpurSpike]

If they decide on a full rebuild why would they want Vassel? I think they would take a pick heavy offer with matching salaries. Like both our lottery picks this year and some or all of their draft picks back. Maybe try to hold onto that 2025 pick... Or do i just have my Spurs shades on?

[mo7888]

Yeah I Would Too. I Was Attempting To Be Realistic

Realistically, I don't think they'd really want either in a full tear down scenario. It'd be picks and space that would entice them.

[Brazil]

I'm torn by this idea, I understand arguments from both side.
First and to clear things up, Atlanta is shopping Murray and it is natural that FO is looking at it. Spurs have picks, cap space, youmg prospects in the roster for that. At one point Spurs will have to transform part of those picks anyway.

Now to evaluate if it is worth it, you look into 2 directions:

1. price tag, you don't have to commit too much on a above average player who has had some issues with FO before
2. is this move will help Wemby development ? That's the question that needs to be answered. Spurs are lacking veteran leadership, Murray would be a significant upgrade vs. Tre and ease Wemby life. Is easing Wemby life good on the long run ? not really sure, with this roster Wemby has to do a bit of everything, create his offense, pass the ball, compensate bad defensive rotation... he is getting tons of responsability.

We can say whatever the we want about Pop rotation, experiments, cry about the fact we are pathetic... I'm following Victor since his professional debut with Nanterre and I can tell you that the progress he made in 2,5 months are outstanding. Is that not the whole point of this season ? I don't believe at the we are creating a looser culture Yes we are one of the worst team in the league but our number 1 pick is doing great, he is improving every game and ing healthy. Be happy Spurs fans this is what matter for now

[Davidicus]

https://www.actionnetwork.com/nba/nb...young-intrigue

"Shams Charania of The Athletic reported this week that the Spurs have an interest in trading for Murray after dealing him two years ago for five first-round picks. (Pretty smart, you get a point guard back and you make the team that owes you five picks worse.)
Charania noted that Murray is under contract, so the Spurs have the leverage. However, there are indications Murray doesn't have significant interest in returning to the Spurs.
A more interesting question is if the Spurs and Hawks would have interest in a deal for Young. League sources have suggested that Young's camp would be open — if he is traded, which is a significant clause here — to pairing Young with Victor Wembanyama. The two teams have already done a big trade for Murray, obviously, and Atlanta would surely be interested in getting back some of the draft picks it sent the Spurs for Murray.
The most likely scenario, obviously, is that the Hawks keep Young and continue to build around him as their franchise cornerstone. But the uncertainty of everything with the Hawks leaves the door open for a lot of outcomes."

"Now for Murray.
Multiple outlets have reported that the Knicks remain interested in Murray after trading OG Anunoby. There will always be some skepticism about the viability of a deal given the Knicks' ties to super-agency CAA and Murray's representation at rival super-agency Klutch Sports. But business is business, and Murray fits the archetype of the kind of two-way player the Knicks want as a star.
However, if we're handicapping where Murray ends up? We start with the Los Angeles Lakers. Murray is a Klutch client, so no surprise there's interest here. But while there was a flurry of discussion about Zach LaVine (also Klutch) a month ago, it's become clear that Murray is the compromise Klutch and the Lakers' front office can reach. The Lakers' front office has leaked that they want a two-way player, which Murray is, and LaVine is not.
Murray is an upgrade in playmaking and defense over D'Angelo Russell, who would be included in any deal. The Hawks, three different league sources asserted this week, would be open to a Lakers deal if it includes Austin Reaves. Reaves has played better individually as of late, but the Lakers are seven points worse per 100 possessions with Reaves on the floor vs. on the bench, the second-worst mark of any rotation player behind the now-benched Jaxson Hayes.
Finally — and I want to stress this is speculative (but interesting) — one league executive suggested keeping an eye on the Cavaliers in Murray talks if the Cavs decide they have to move Donovan Mitc before the final year of his contract. (Mitc has a player option for 2025-26, and there has been nothing but a barrage of reporting that Mitc will not re-sign and prefers a New York team as his next home.)
Murray would provide a replacement guard next to Darius Garland, and the Knicks would send the kind of assets Atlanta would want if they are indeed selling.
In other Atlanta news, the Bulls, Rockets and Knicks have expressed interest in AJ Griffin, who has fallen out of the rotation under Quin Snyder this season. The Pelicans have some interest in Clint Capela, if they decide to move off Jonas Valanciunas, and Toronto has interest in De'Andre Hunter."

------------

Regarding Dejounte: Gives you an idea on purported price. Keldon aint Reaves or Mitc , meaning they'd probably want KJ + 2 good 1st rounders (dont trade Vassell). If it's that high, no thanks.

Regarding Dejounte interest comment: Wondering verification on that. And how Spurs FO reacts if true.

Regarding Young: Quite hesitant on that. But would be so funny seeing Trae + Wemby stand side-by-side

[baseline bum]

I'm torn by this idea, I understand arguments from both side.
First and to clear things up, Atlanta is shopping Murray and it is natural that FO is looking at it. Spurs have picks, cap space, youmg prospects in the roster for that. At one point Spurs will have to transform part of those picks anyway.

Now to evaluate if it is worth it, you look into 2 directions:

1. price tag, you don't have to commit too much on a above average player who has had some issues with FO before
2. is this move will help Wemby development ? That's the question that needs to be answered. Spurs are lacking veteran leadership, Murray would be a significant upgrade vs. Tre and ease Wemby life. Is easing Wemby life good on the long run ? not really sure, with this roster Wemby has to do a bit of everything, create his offense, pass the ball, compensate bad defensive rotation... he is getting tons of responsability.

We can say whatever the we want about Pop rotation, experiments, cry about the fact we are pathetic... I'm following Victor since his professional debut with Nanterre and I can tell you that the progress he made in 2,5 months are outstanding. Is that not the whole point of this season ? I don't believe at the we are creating a looser culture Yes we are one of the worst team in the league but our number 1 pick is doing great, he is improving every game and ing healthy. Be happy Spurs fans this is what matter for now

Vic has really gotten so much stronger. Early in the season when people were ing about him not getting looks in the post I understood it because he was getting bullied on the block and wasn't really even able to score against SFs. But 2.5 months later he's getting to be pretty solid on the post and isn't getting pushed to the three point line on the catch like he was in the early season. I'm amazed he has adjusted to the physicality so quickly. Not saying he's Tim on the block but he's a good option there regardless of who is on him now.

[Davidicus]

https://sports.yahoo.com/dejounte-mu...174205743.html

"And at this juncture, to varying degrees, the Lakers, Knicks, Sixers, Heat and Pistons are five suitors expected to engage Atlanta about acquiring Murray over the coming days and weeks before Feb 8."

"And while the Spurs continue to be mentioned by league personnel as a potential landing spot for Murray, San Antonio does not currently bill as a probable outcome for Atlanta’s trade approach either, sources said."

------

Of the 6 teams the author listed out as "interested in Murray", he proceeded to either state why it wouldn't work (LA, NY), pontificate with no real evidence (PHI, DET), or just state talks are actually non-existent (MIA, BKN).

[scott]

https://www.actionnetwork.com/nba/nb...young-intrigue

"Shams Charania of The Athletic reported this week that the Spurs have an interest in trading for Murray after dealing him two years ago for five first-round picks. (Pretty smart, you get a point guard back and you make the team that owes you five picks worse.)
Charania noted that Murray is under contract, so the Spurs have the leverage. However, there are indications Murray doesn't have significant interest in returning to the Spurs.
A more interesting question is if the Spurs and Hawks would have interest in a deal for Young. League sources have suggested that Young's camp would be open — if he is traded, which is a significant clause here — to pairing Young with Victor Wembanyama. The two teams have already done a big trade for Murray, obviously, and Atlanta would surely be interested in getting back some of the draft picks it sent the Spurs for Murray.
The most likely scenario, obviously, is that the Hawks keep Young and continue to build around him as their franchise cornerstone. But the uncertainty of everything with the Hawks leaves the door open for a lot of outcomes."

"Now for Murray.
Multiple outlets have reported that the Knicks remain interested in Murray after trading OG Anunoby. There will always be some skepticism about the viability of a deal given the Knicks' ties to super-agency CAA and Murray's representation at rival super-agency Klutch Sports. But business is business, and Murray fits the archetype of the kind of two-way player the Knicks want as a star.
However, if we're handicapping where Murray ends up? We start with the Los Angeles Lakers. Murray is a Klutch client, so no surprise there's interest here. But while there was a flurry of discussion about Zach LaVine (also Klutch) a month ago, it's become clear that Murray is the compromise Klutch and the Lakers' front office can reach. The Lakers' front office has leaked that they want a two-way player, which Murray is, and LaVine is not.
Murray is an upgrade in playmaking and defense over D'Angelo Russell, who would be included in any deal. The Hawks, three different league sources asserted this week, would be open to a Lakers deal if it includes Austin Reaves. Reaves has played better individually as of late, but the Lakers are seven points worse per 100 possessions with Reaves on the floor vs. on the bench, the second-worst mark of any rotation player behind the now-benched Jaxson Hayes.
Finally — and I want to stress this is speculative (but interesting) — one league executive suggested keeping an eye on the Cavaliers in Murray talks if the Cavs decide they have to move Donovan Mitc before the final year of his contract. (Mitc has a player option for 2025-26, and there has been nothing but a barrage of reporting that Mitc will not re-sign and prefers a New York team as his next home.)
Murray would provide a replacement guard next to Darius Garland, and the Knicks would send the kind of assets Atlanta would want if they are indeed selling.
In other Atlanta news, the Bulls, Rockets and Knicks have expressed interest in AJ Griffin, who has fallen out of the rotation under Quin Snyder this season. The Pelicans have some interest in Clint Capela, if they decide to move off Jonas Valanciunas, and Toronto has interest in De'Andre Hunter."

------------

Regarding Dejounte: Gives you an idea on purported price. Keldon aint Reaves or Mitc , meaning they'd probably want KJ + 2 good 1st rounders (dont trade Vassell). If it's that high, no thanks.

Regarding Dejounte interest comment: Wondering verification on that. And how Spurs FO reacts if true.

Regarding Young: Quite hesitant on that. But would be so funny seeing Trae + Wemby stand side-by-side

Great report. Despite my advocacy for Dejounte's return - if he isn't too keen on coming back, then it, I don't want him. If the price for Murray is so high that it is for guys like Reaves or Mitc , then it might be higher than I'd be willing to spend, and that's okay - good for the Hawks I guess. Again, my max offer is our '27 FRP and the CHI FRP and then whatever scrubs are needed to make the salaries work.

Would still love to find a way to get Patty in here though. Cedi for Patty is really the only thing that works salary wise, but seems like we kind of need Cedi, and it would surprise me if Cedi game back on a cheap deal this off-season.

The Trae talk is interesting but I don't see the Hawks going that route and then Chinook's comments about going all in for a player this early are more relevant. I'd generally agree we don't need to blow our entire war chest right now, and certainly not for Trae. If it were for Halliburton or SGA... my opinion would be different, but not for Trae (in my opinion, which is probably wrong).

[spurraider21]

Vic has really gotten so much stronger. Early in the season when people were ing about him not getting looks in the post I understood it because he was getting bullied on the block and wasn't really even able to score against SFs. But 2.5 months later he's getting to be pretty solid on the post and isn't getting pushed to the three point line on the catch like he was in the early season. I'm amazed he has adjusted to the physicality so quickly. Not saying he's Tim on the block but he's a good option there regardless of who is on him now.

its wild because you can tell he's still kind of improvising down there every time. almost every shot he takes looks different. different hand, different footwork, different release, etc. he's going to get a lot better

[scott]

Man, Detroit would be a sneaky destination for DJM. Ivey + picks or maybe Ivey + Duren for DJM and Capela would be interesting for both teams. I think DJM would be a nice fit next to Cade, definitely better than the Cade/Ivey fit (IMO).

Ivey does not fit next to Trae though, other than maybe as trying to develop him into a key 6th man.

[Davidicus]

Great report. Despite my advocacy for Dejounte's return - if he isn't too keen on coming back, then it, I don't want him. If the price for Murray is so high that it is for guys like Reaves or Mitc , then it might be higher than I'd be willing to spend, and that's okay - good for the Hawks I guess. Again, my max offer is our '27 FRP and the CHI FRP and then whatever scrubs are needed to make the salaries work.

Would still love to find a way to get Patty in here though. Cedi for Patty is really the only thing that works salary wise, but seems like we kind of need Cedi, and it would surprise me if Cedi game back on a cheap deal this off-season.

The Trae talk is interesting but I don't see the Hawks going that route and then Chinook's comments about going all in for a player this early are more relevant. I'd generally agree we don't need to blow our entire war chest right now, and certainly not for Trae. If it were for Halliburton or SGA... my opinion would be different, but not for Trae (in my opinion, which is probably wrong).

Would love Patty as well. I don't think we need to give up anything - he's a FA this Summer, and at this point in his career he's most valuable to us vs almost any other team. Towel time!

[Mr. Body]

LA, NY, and CHI as an outsider seem the likely destinations for Murray, and it seems steam is gathering that he might be moved. I never believed the Spurs were an actual landing spot. Any rumors were to generate interest or to help facilitate.

LAL would be a prime drop-off, especially if SpursTalk favorite Austin Reaves is acceptable to the Hawks. This would be great, as he's a poor defender and I don't think the Hawks get enough out of Los Angeles to improve themselves that much.

As much as Atlanta would want Siakam, he appears to control his destiny given likelihood/unlikelihood of resigning. The Kings have already backed away. Not sure he'd want to stay in Atlanta.

Interesting that AJ Griffin has fallen out of the rotation. Some were pretty high on him (not just here) in that draft, but he was so slow and didn't do much of anything. Another location might help.

[mo7888]

LA, NY, and CHI as an outsider seem the likely destinations for Murray, and it seems steam is gathering that he might be moved. I never believed the Spurs were an actual landing spot. Any rumors were to generate interest or to help facilitate.

LAL would be a prime drop-off, especially if SpursTalk favorite Austin Reaves is acceptable to the Hawks. This would be great, as he's a poor defender and I don't think the Hawks get enough out of Los Angeles to improve themselves that much.

As much as Atlanta would want Siakam, he appears to control his destiny given likelihood/unlikelihood of resigning. The Kings have already backed away. Not sure he'd want to stay in Atlanta.

Interesting that AJ Griffin has fallen out of the rotation. Some were pretty high on him (not just here) in that draft, but he was so slow and didn't do much of anything. Another location might help.

Yep. I'm not worried about LA, Chi, or NY offering packages that help Atlanta in 25-27. If we're not in it, and it appears we aren't, these are good destinations for our interest.

[Brazil]

its wild because you can tell he's still kind of improvising down there every time. almost every shot he takes looks different. different hand, different footwork, different release, etc. he's going to get a lot better

It's like he is trying something new every game, you can tell against Detroit he was focusing on passing. Passing is for me his biggest improvement, he has always been a willing passer but what we are seeing right now is different (he is still far from being Jokic but damn). Regarding his strength I agree with base, he does not let anybody pushing him around anymore but I was not too concerned by that, he has never been a soft player shying away from the contacts, getting a bit of muscles was part of the plan.

[baseline bum]

Would still love to find a way to get Patty in here though. Cedi for Patty is really the only thing that works salary wise, but seems like we kind of need Cedi, and it would surprise me if Cedi game back on a cheap deal this off-season.

Would you be playing Patty at backup SG next year? If the Spurs can get Dillingham in the draft I'd really like him backing Tre up and getting 20 minutes a game to begin his career. Don't want to see him in Austin playing against scrubs just because we have a strong backup in Mills.

[spurraider21]

LAL would be a prime drop-off, especially if SpursTalk favorite Austin Reaves is acceptable to the Hawks. This would be great, as he's a poor defender and I don't think the Hawks get enough out of Los Angeles to improve themselves that much.

we gotta get on this in a 3 team deal right away




cia pop gets all the apologies if this was his masterplan to acquire reaves without having to outbid for him as a RFA

[baseline bum]

LA, NY, and CHI as an outsider seem the likely destinations for Murray, and it seems steam is gathering that he might be moved. I never believed the Spurs were an actual landing spot. Any rumors were to generate interest or to help facilitate.

LAL would be a prime drop-off, especially if SpursTalk favorite Austin Reaves is acceptable to the Hawks. This would be great, as he's a poor defender and I don't think the Hawks get enough out of Los Angeles to improve themselves that much.

As much as Atlanta would want Siakam, he appears to control his destiny given likelihood/unlikelihood of resigning. The Kings have already backed away. Not sure he'd want to stay in Atlanta.

Interesting that AJ Griffin has fallen out of the rotation. Some were pretty high on him (not just here) in that draft, but he was so slow and didn't do much of anything. Another location might help.

Can't believe how over his head he played last year. He was elite defensively (top 1/3 of the league in DFG) and shot 40% from the three. This year he's bottom 1/3 of the league in DFG and shooting 34% from the three. Thank ing god the Spurs didn't offer him that 4 year $100 million deal some were clamoring for. Don't think he's really even worth the $56 million deal LA signed him for.