After reports that a contract extension was on the horizon from Jake Fischer, the Hawks and Dejounte Murray have inked a team-friendly deal worth $120 million across four years, according to Shams Charania.
Atlanta Hawks All-Star Dejounte Murray and CEO of Klutch Sports Rich Paul are finalizing a four-year, $120 million veteran maximum extension with the franchise, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Deal includes a player option.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2023
For the club, this can only be seen as a positive. Giving up a ton of draft assets for Murray and then watching him walk for nothing next offseason could’ve been a death sentence for the overall health of the Hawks.
It’s an extremely team-friendly deal; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. We just watched Fred VanVleet get three years for $130 million, Dillon Brooks get four for $80 million, and Jerami Grant garnered $160 million across five years.
Moreover, it gives the Hawks flexibility and stability at the same time. The team now has a long-term plan — DJM and Trae Young with Quin Snyder.
The front office can now start to set in motion immediate and longer-term plans. Simultaneously, it gives them the flexibility to still move Murray if the pairing doesn’t work out.
Any team would love to have a two-way All-Star point guard at $30 million per season. FVV is an inferior player and inked a deal worth $43.3 million per season. At worst, they’re similarly skilled players, and one is earning $13 million more per season.
This is extremely encouraging for the Hawks. I have admittedly been pessimistic toward the club, particularly because of the ownership group, but this is an encouraging step forward. You had to pay him, and it comes at a team-friendly rate.
It also sets a precedent around the organization. DJM wants to win and is taking less money in hopes of a run at a championship.
I’m excited to see what’s next for the Hawks.
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