Dejounte Murray offers unusual response to Spurs reunion trade rumors

Apr 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against the Washington Wizards in the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Dejounte Murray may already have one foot out the door in Atlanta.

The Hawks guard Murray has been the subject of prevalent trade rumors in recent days. One such rumor suggests that Murray could end up back with the San Antonio Spurs, the team that drafted him and developed him into a All-Star.

Speaking with the media Monday, Murray was asked about the possibility of returning to his former team and gave an unusual response.

“Pop [Spurs coach Gregg Popovich] is like a father to me,” Murray replied, per Spurs writer Paul Garcia. “I would welcome that.”

“But right now, I’m a Hawk,” added Murray. “I’m going to stay professional and play the right way.”

It is a very rare to hear a player say outright that he would welcome a move elsewhere in response to trade rumors. While Murray did emphasize that he is still part of the Hawks, that may not be the case for long with the team sitting at 16-23 and not that long to go before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

The talented combo guard Murray was talking some smack about the Spurs after they traded him before the 2022-23 season. But he has now changed his tune about them just a year-and-a-half later and could end up back in San Antonio (assuming that this other major suitor for Murray does not pony up to Atlanta instead).