The Atlanta Hawks have been swarmed with trade rumors at the midpoint of the 2023-24 season. However, the team has elected to keep the bulk of its squad together. Namely, the Hawks are keeping star guard Dejounte Murray on the roster past the NBA trade deadline, Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

Atlanta will continue to rely on Dejounte Murray past the NBA trade deadline

The Hawks were heavily linked with the Los Angeles Lakers in the weeks leading up to the Feb. 8th deadline. Analysts expected Atlanta to engage the Lakers in a deal that would land Murray in LA in exchange for D'Angelo Russell among other assets. Yet, the Hawks kept their composure in crunch time.

Atlanta wanted to ensure they received at least two first-round picks in trade offers in addition to a possible high-caliber player. The Hawks likely could not find a deal that would suit their tastes. Nevertheless, their decision to stick with Murray is a smart, low-risk move for them to remain competitive.

The San Antonio Spurs traded Murray to Atlanta during the summer of 2021. The move sought to help the Hawks to get over the hump after their impressive Eastern Conference Finals run. However, Atlanta has not been able to escape the first round of the playoffs since Murray's arrival.

Still, the former 2022 All-Star has been highly productive. Murray averages 21.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.3 steals through 49 games in 2023-24. His clutch midseason play has helped convince Atlanta to keep him on the roster longer.

The Hawks will continue to explore ways to improve their roster for future success. One of their primary trade suitors, the Lakers, will be eligible to deal two more draft selections by the 2024 NBA Draft. Thus, Atlanta could look to move Murray during the offseason.

In the meantime, he and Trae Young look to spearhead the teams' quest to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.