There have been a fair share of mixed opinions on the Atlanta Hawks' offseason activity, and while many were disappointed that they didn't make a splash for Jaylen Brown or Walker Kessler, they're holding onto hope that they'll seriously inquire about one of the top remaining league-wide targets.
The only problem, though, is now it appears the team he's currently on won't be willing to ship him much longer. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the belief right now is that the New Orleans Pelicans "want to keep Trey Murphy," rather than send him elsewhere in a major deal.
Murphy III, 26, would be an incredible addition to Atlanta's core, but the combination of a high asking-price and New Orleans' unwillingness to commit to a direction have made said deal unlikely.
Pelicans wouldn't have much reason to negotiate with Hawks, anyway
They haven't had a great history of fair transactions. In their previous two trades, Atlanta has gathered much more value in both the immediate and long-term.
In just two calendar years, they were able to acquire Dyson Daniels, Kingston Flemings, Asa Newell and another future first-round pick from the same franchise.
If they were to negotiate a deal surrounding the talented Trey Murphy III, there wouldn't be much reason to believe they would be able to get an adequate return.
A player of his caliber is worth multiple first-round picks, and a young player, or two. Considering the way President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh prioritizes loading up on assets for future flexibility and competitiveness, New Orleans would be fighting a uphill battle while trying to get a deal done with Atlanta.
Now that it's been reported that they may just elect to hold onto Murphy III, the Hawks will likely back off from any potential conversations they were engaged in, if there were even any going on in the first place.
Atlanta is standing ten-toes down, not wanting to steer off course
A guy like Murphy III wouldn't, at all, take them away from the trajectory they're currently on, but the philosophy remains intact regardless.
It's what's upset a lot of people who follow the organization closest. After getting a taste of exciting postseason basketball last season, they don't want their favorite team to fall back into irrelevance due to lack of aggressiveness.
Whether they end up making one final push for Murphy III, or make their last roster cut and head into the season as-is, the Hawks are in a quality position of leverage.
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