Hawks' Trae Young breaks silence on Dejounte Murray trade

Dejounte Murray’s trade from the Atlanta Hawks to the New Orleans Pelicans ushered in a new era for both organizations.

For the Hawks, that chapter still seemed open in the absence of commentary from Trae Young. He and Murray, who share the same birthday, were on board with the pairing that came together during the 2022 offseason.

Young spoke about the trade during the Hawks’ second summer league game.

“Me and him, we both understand this league and this business” Young told ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth on July 14. “We know it’s a win-now league, especially in the position we’re in. We’re trying to win. Both of us as competitors, we wanna win, so. We both got love for each other. It’s honestly say losing him, but he’s in a great spot over there in New Orleans. We both wish each other nothing but the best.

The former dynamic duo had brushed aside trade rumors in recent months, instead choosing to focus on playing and emphasizing their personal bond.

Murray shared a heartfelt goodbye message to Hawks fans after the trade. Several of Murray’s former Hawks teammates commented on the post. Young did not. He told Hubbarth that the two have talked, though.

Young’s name had also come up in trade rumors before and after Murray was dealt.

He was absent from the Hawks’ first Summer League game, which was against the Washington Wizards and the No. 2 overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft Alexandre Sarr.

Young was in attendance for their second outing, against the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs were one of the teams linked to the three-time All-Star in trade speculation. However, he notably sported a hat that read “I AM ATL,” perhaps further cementing his status.

He also offered his first take on new teammate and No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher.

Hawks' Trae Young: Zaccharie Risacher a 'Smart Player'

“I’ve texted him. We’ve messaged back and forth. He’s talented, he’s smart, and he makes the right reads,” Young told Hubbarth. “I know our coaches, [Head Coach Quin Snyder], is definitely trying to make him be aggressive in the first game. He hasn’t gotten up as many shots up today as I would like, but the first game he was getting up some shots. But he’s a smart player. He’s gonna be really good in this league.”

Risaher had 18 points on 7-for-16 shooting with five rebounds and two assists in the opener.

He had seven points on 3-for-7 shooting at halftime in the second game. Young had shared a strong take on Houston Rockets guard and No. 3 pick, Reed Sheppard, 

“Reed Sheppard nice y’all !!” Young posted on X on July 13.

Young shares representation with Sheppard. whose Rockets took the court in the game before the Hawks. The former Kentucky guard had 22 points to go with seven assists, six rebounds, and five steals. 

Sheppard has scoured 20-plus points in both of his outings, the most recent coming against Sarr and the Wizards.

Young also said that his balky finger was fully healed, which bodes well for the Hawks.