This is the most likely scenario. Udoka would appreciate his defense and he can score and pass some. Young enough to contribute when the Rockets are “good”. He and Thompson could potentially be really nasty defensively. Getting Murray would likely take a multi team trade with Green and the Nets picks and maybe more going out for Murray. Not sure I would do it - but he would be a good fit.
Main problem with Dejounte Murray is his outside shot. He has been quite inconsistent in his career. Given our spacing issues, I’d rather we go for a pure bucket, like Anfernee Simmons. Of course it all depends on what assets we invest in a trade. Maybe our next SG (assuming we move on from Jalen) is just a stopgap like FVV. Say we trade for a Dejounte-level SG this year without giving out the farm; then 2 years down the line - when we are ready to compete - we package Murray and rest of assets for someone like Booker/Mitchell.
I wonder if Coby White is available. He was on a downward trend the past couple of seasons due to a crowded rotation and poor defense, but he's always been a good shooter. His ballhandling and playmaking has stepped up huge this season with Lavine out. He's only 23 and on a cheap contract, so the Bulls wouldn't trade him for cheap, but he was considered somewhat of a disappointment prior to this season so maybe they'd like to cash in for their rebuild while he's hot. I'd also like Tyus Jones. He's a PG, but it feels like we're running FVV into the ground a bit as the only reliable playmaking guard. Like FVV, he's a decent defender for his size and one of the steadiest ballhandlers in the league. His 6.6 A/TO ratio is actually better than FVV's. I think he'd be available because he's not in Washington's long-term plans and is an expiring contract. He's only 27 so we could either re-sign him or get value in a SnT.
Rather have Simons than Murray if I got to choose. Dream scenario would be Maxey or Bane, but that ain't happening.
ivey has extra year on his deal would be worth trading jg for him for that reason alone in my opinion
Murray do not play defense…I do not see as Ivey as a starting shooting guard and he is not a defender, not a defender now and was not in college
Another win-now target would be Zach Lavine. His stock is pretty low right now, so he can be obtained at a decent value. His skill set (shooting/spacing, penetration, fast breaks, high-efficiency scoring) complements our team well. Surrounded by FVV and Dillon his defensive deficiencies will be mitigated. Assuming there are no long-term concerns about his health, he would definitely represent an upgrade over Green in the SG spot. We are a definite 45+ wins team with Lavine. Green, Oladipo, Tate, Landale + 2 FRPs (2024 Nets, 2025 Rockets) for Lavine and Drummond
Atlanta fans have been harping about his defense and shooting all year. Its possible its a bad fit for him in ATL, but he's been riding on the Spurs reputation for a while.
I'm not claiming to be a Murray expert, but from what I've seen myself and what I've heard from people who do more closely follow SA and/or Atlanta: His height helped him be an good-enough PG defender in SA. As a SG, his very slight build lessens his impact on defense. That said, he's not worse than Jalen on defense. He has decent hands and can get steals. His 6 additional years means he has better awareness than Jalen. But he's also not good. He'd still be the worst defender in our starting lineup, and probably the worst defender in our regular rotation.
I’d be interested in Lavine but I am giving up essentially nothing. Green+Green+Tate+Jock+ Dipo for Lavine and Pat Williams.
But he is probably far better than Green on offence AND he can run the 2nd unit as a PG - which really allows time for Amen and Cam to come along over the next couple of seasons. I like the idea of DM. The other possibility might be the Pistons and Bojan, Ivey and filler. Bojan can start and space the floor Ivey can be a development project Green/ Tate/ Jock/ Oladipo might entice them?
Hard pass on Lavine - he's making $40M+ a year through 26-27 season with the last year a Player Option...we'll be surrendering our cap flexibility for a player who's team actually is playing better without him. Lavine is an example of a player with good stats, but not a proven winner
Not a fan of Lavine's contract. Definitely would not offer picks if with a Green deal. The cheap rookie + expiring contracts, given up are actually valuable for teams hitting the double apron. If anything, Bulls should be giving us a 2nd rounder for taking Lavine off their hands. Teams like the Wolves and Celtics will get very expensive after this season, when some of their guys have to get extended. May even have cats like Derrick White shaking lose. On Lavine himself, he and Tibs parted ways. He also is asking to leave because he doesn't want to play for Billy Donovan, who is winning right now with the players who do listen. Is Zach going to cause drama if Ime rides him too hard. If he was a 25m player instead of a 40m player, then maybe. If we're only looking for defense and spacing, there's likely cheaper options.
On Dejounte Murray, he seemes more 'outspoken' and let his real personality show, after he left the Spurs.
You have to remember that with FVV we can bring in a guard that is a little bit more of a combo. He just has to penetrate well.
