Insider doubles down on 'expectation' for Hawks offseason trade

Is the Atlanta Hawks star backcourt headed for a breakup?

Despite their dismissal of trade rumors, one league insider is doubling down on his insistence that the prevailing notion among rival teams is that the Hawks will trade one of Dejounte Murray or Trae Young this offseason.

The Stein Line’s Marc Stein reported that was the “most likely scenario” in his batch of intel on April 8. Stein would stand on his reporting, again in light of Murray and Young’s conversation.

“It sounds like Trae Young really wants to get back on the court so he can make a contribution in the Play-In round,” Stein said on the “#thisleague: UNCUT” podcast on April 9. “I think there was a sense that when he sustained this ligament injury in a finger on his left hand in late February, that it was going to be for the rest of the season.

“Trae Young clearly isn’t looking at it like that and it sounds like we have a decent chance of seeing him play this week.

“I will be watching the Hawks this week with great interest if he makes it back on the floor because … one league source, the way it was described to me, the most likely scenario remains that before next season Atlanta would more likely than not trade one of its star guards. The expectation remains at this juncture that Trae Young or Dejounte Murray, the best forecast at this point, is that one of the two would likely be moved before next season.

“I think there are a lot of people around the league who see it that way. And so, that’s why I’m saying it’s going to be really interesting to see them reunited on the court and what that looks like.”

Young still has three years left on his five-year, $215 million contract.

Murray has yet to begin his four-year, $114 million contract extension that he signed just last offseason.

Hawks star duo heading toward potential crossroads

Despite their strong bond and enthusiasm about teaming up, the All-Star backcourt duo has a 55-60 record together. In that same span, Murray is 17-17 without Young while Young is 5-4 without Murray.

Both stars were mired in trade rumors at the deadline.

It was then that the idea the Hawks could trade Young this offseason gained traction in NBA circles amid reports they even discussed a potential deal with the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs had an interest in re-acquiring Murray, which he appreciated. But nothing came to fruition as they, like the Los Angeles Lakers and potentially several other teams, could be waiting to see what happens with Young.

Both players have shown what they can do when they run the show.

What hasn’t been as prevalent is evidence that they can both operate at a high level and lead the team to wins all at the same time.