On Wednesday, the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks finally pulled off the trade that everyone had been talking about since before the 2022 NBA Draft. It had been reported prior to the draft that the Spurs and Hawks were exploring a deal exchanging young stars, Dejounte Murray and John Collins, with more draft capital also heading back to San Antonio. However, that's where the twist comes in. The Spurs Hawks trade sent Murray to Atlanta, but John Collins is staying put. At least for now.
In return for Murray, the Hawks are sending back Danilo Gallinari, three future first round picks and a pick swap.
The Hawks are sending a 2023 first-round pick via Charlotte, and their own 2025 and 2027 first-round picks to the Spurs in the deal, sources tell ESPN. Spurs will also get a pick swap in 2026.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022
According to ESPN NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the picks are Charlotte's first-round pick in 2023, and Atlanta's first-rounder in 2025 and 2027. The pick swap will be in 2026.
That is certainly a ton of draft capital to be sent via trade. Then again, Murray is a budding superstar and is likely worth it. So, let's get right into it and grade the Spurs Hawks trade.
Grading the Spurs Hawks Trade of Dejounte Murray
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
This Spurs Hawks trade was a very clear sign from San Antonio that they blowing the whole thing up and starting a new rebuild. But what's interesting is that it appeared they had already started that process a couple of years ago. Then they drafted very well, like they usually do.
After drafting Murray with the 29th overall pick in 2016, they followed that up by drafting Derrick White the following year. In 2019, they took Keldon Johnson once again with the 29th overall pick, this time in 2019. They added another good player in Devin Vassell the following year.
As this season progressed, this Spurs team really came together. They finished strong down the stretch and clinched a spot in the play-in tournament. It appeared San Antonio was ready to take the next step forward. Then came the rumors that Murray was on the trade block, leaving NBA executives scratching their heads.
Nevertheless, the Spurs are looking to start all over again. There apparently was a strong reason for this. There is speculation that Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is leaning toward retirement. That would make a lot more sense, as the 72-year-old is unlikely to stick around for a full rebuild.
If that is the case, and only if that is the case, I can see why the Spurs Hawks trade went down. Three first-round picks is nothing to scoff at. However, the first-round pick via Charlotte is unlikely to be a top-10 pick. Considering the young of both Trae Young and Murray, the 2025 and 2027 picks are also unlikely to be top-10 picks, if even in the lottery.
Considering the year Murray just had with the Spurs, one would have thought they could get more for him. Gallinari is a shell of himself and is essentially filler. The pick swap is practically meaningless. It is very unlikely that in 2026, the Spurs have a better record than Atlanta. Therefore, a swap of picks would actually lower their draft pick.
Expect Jacob Poeltl to be the next player shipped out.
Grade: C+
ATLANTA HAWKS
This is such a big move for Atlanta. Not only do they land a 25-year-old rising star in this league, but they did it without including John Collins. The Spurs Hawks trade initially was based off of those two players. Now, this does not mean that Atlanta is not going to move Collins. But it does mean that even if they do, his value is so high on it's own, they could recoup some of those picks they just lost.
But let's take a look at Murray and how he will fit in Atlanta.
The Hawks were one of the fastest teams in the NBA last season. They got younger by swapping Gallinari for Murray. Granted, that's not an apples to apples as they play different positions and different minutes. But however you slice it, they likely got younger. Murray will not have any problems keeping up with the Hawks pace of play. But he does provide something the team desperately needed; a strong defender.
Surrounding Trae Young with a defense-first core of Dejounte Murray, De’Andre Hunter and Onyeka Okungwu is the perfect ecosystem for everyone involved.
Young will make life so much easier for everyone else, and now he can be hid well while conserving energy on the defensive end.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 29, 2022
If anyone watched the Hawks get dismantled by the Miami Heat in the playoffs, they noticed two things. The Hawks could not stop dribble penetration, causing breakdowns defensively. Also, they did not have anyone outside Trae Young that could create his own shot.
Murray is an above average defender on the perimeter. Now, the Hawks have two of the better on-ball defenders in the league with Murray and DeAndre Hunter. But most importantly, they have someone that can take the pressure off of Young. It was so apparent the Hawks could do nothing offensively if Young wasn't consistently hitting 30-foot treys. This is such a big upgrade for the team and should fit extremely well.
Murray is also under contract for only $17 million. Considering the level of production the Hawks are likely to get, this is a steal. As I mentioned above, the pick swap is likely meaningless. The three first-round picks probably will not be top-10 picks, if even top-20. Plus, if they end up moving Collins, he probably garners two of those first-round picks back.
Grade: A
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