Atlanta Traded For Rudy Gobert Instead of Dejounte Murray: A Wise Move?

Atlanta Hawks made big trades two years ago, but should they have pursued Rudy Gobert instead of Dejounte Murray? Results suggest yes.

Two years ago, the Atlanta Hawks were in search of a game-changing move to shake up their roster following a disappointing season. After finishing as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and losing in the playoffs, the Hawks were eager to make a splash in the offseason. With rumors swirling about potential trades involving Dejounte Murray, Donovan Mitchell, and Rudy Gobert, Atlanta was faced with a crucial decision.

Ultimately, the Hawks decided to trade for Murray in a deal that sent a package of draft picks to the Spurs. Shortly after, the Minnesota Timberwolves made a blockbuster trade for Gobert, while the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Mitchell. The following season saw mixed results for all three teams, with Atlanta firing their head coach mid-season and Minnesota making a surprising playoff run.

Fast forward to the present day, and the Timberwolves are thriving with Gobert anchoring their defense and leading them to their first playoff series win in nearly two decades. Meanwhile, the Hawks have struggled, leading to speculation about breaking up their backcourt duo of Trae Young and Murray. The question now arises: should Atlanta have pursued a trade for Gobert instead of Murray?

While Minnesota's success with Gobert is undeniable, some argue that they may have given up too much in the trade. However, the results speak for themselves, as the Timberwolves are thriving with Gobert at the helm. On the other hand, Atlanta's decision to stick with Murray has not yielded the same level of success, raising doubts about the team's future.

Looking ahead, the Hawks face a pivotal offseason as they contemplate their next move. The potential trade of either Young or Murray looms large, signaling a potential shift in the team's direction. As Atlanta reflects on their past decisions, the question remains: would a trade for Gobert have altered their trajectory for the better? Only time will tell.