Among the notable NBA players expected to be traded during the 2022 offseason is San Antonio Spurs point guard Dejounte Murray. The Spurs are balking at the idea of paying their All-Star point guard in a couple of years, and instead will look to offload him now in order to get the biggest return possible. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, a Murray trade has now progressed to the stage where it's being considered “imminent.”

Among the teams at the forefront of the market for Murray include the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. It's unclear which team is presenting the strongest package in order to land Murray, but all three have been linked to him over the past few weeks.

The Hawks have been looking to pair Trae Young with a more defensive-minded guard in the backcourt. Considering Murray's prowess on the defensive end, the Spurs star would be a strong fit for that role.

Related NewsArticle continues below
San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles upcourt against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at Chase Center. David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Spurs’ Chris Paul launches new company with brother CJ
San Antonio Spurs center Bismack Biyombo (18) celebrates with San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) after Barnes made the game-winning shot in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
Spurs’ Harrison Barnes challenges team’s ‘commitment’ entering big summer

Meanwhile, the Knicks have cleared off every second-round pick in the organization's foreseeable future in order to free-up cap space and make a run at Jalen Brunson. The team is also rumored to want to form a backcourt tandem of Murray and Brunson, something fans have been clamoring for since rumors of the Spurs' star's availability emerged.

As for the Timberwolves, D'Angelo Russell isn't believed to be part of their plans going forward, and they could look to bring Murray in as a replacement.

Last year, Murray made his first-ever All-Star Game, averaging career-highs across the board with 21.1 points, 9.2 assists, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game. The 25-year-old proved his worth in all facets of the floor for the Spurs, emerging as one of the most well-rounded guards in the league.

The Spurs drafted Murray with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft out of the University of Washington.