Jazz Pinned as Potential ‘Surprise Landing Spot’ for Dejounte Murray

We now stand just two weeks away from the highly-anticipated NBA trade deadline, with more and more speculation around the league arising with it. The Utah Jazz have been no stranger to getting involved in those talks, and that trend only continues here.

While rumors continue to surround the Atlanta Hawks and a trade involving Dejounte Murray, the Jazz have arisen as a sneaky suitor who could facilitate a deal. Given their collection of draft assets and ideal contracts to put into a deal, it makes for a pretty interesting landing spot in Utah.

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report details the Jazz as a surprise landing spot for Murray ahead of the looming deadline, noting that a pairing next to Lauri Markkanen could help him return to his All-Star form:

"While the Utah Jazz have a number of talented combo guards on their roster, adding an All-Star-caliber floor general to the mix would help push them toward a top-six seed in the West. The last time Murray was a starting point guard he averaged 21.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game for the San Antonio Spurs in 2021-22, resulting in an All-Star selection. Putting the 27-year-old back into this role in Utah next to Lauri Markkanen would help bring out the best in Murray once again...Even though the Lakers and Hawks have had "pretty extensive conversations" about a trade for Murray, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Jazz could easily outbid Los Angeles for Murray, and they should."

Even with discussions heating up between the Hawks and the Los Angeles Lakers with Murray, the Jazz have all of the opportunity to trump whatever offer they propose based on their sheer difference in assets. It’s pretty unlikely to see Danny Ainge dish out the entire farm in a midseason trade like this, but at the right price, Dejounte could be a valuable addition.

During his 2023-24 campaign, Murray has averaged 21.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 46.8/38.7/83.5 splits. If brought into Utah, he could instantly shift into a complementary role next to Markkanen while providing positional size, versatility, defensive ability, and playmaking. It’s exactly the mold of a player the Jazz could have some interest in.

According to recent reports from Yahoo! Sports, the expected return for Murray looks like it will take two first-round picks, along with a starting-level player. Lucky enough for Utah, that’s a very attainable ask. However, it depends on what direction this Jazz front office wants to go in the coming weeks. Will they be sellers? Buyers? Only time will tell.

Regardless, keep a keen eye on what happens with Murray leading up to the February 8th cutoff, as the Jazz have what it takes to make a push for him if they so desire.

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