The Utah Jazz have made their decision. They're going to be buyers at the NBA Trade Deadline. At least for now. The Jazz have reportedly made an offer for the Atlanta Hawks point guard, Dejounte Murray, who is on the block for the team this deadline season.
Murray, a well-respected two-way guard with a history of excellent defense, would add a lot of credibility to the Jazz's backcourt. While Kris Dunn has been excellent as a starter, the Jazz haven't given him many minutes, and it appears as though they have concerns about his complete game.
The Jazz seem to be more in on Murray, who if paired with Dunn, could transform the team's perimeter and overall defense, as both men are excellent at keying in on the better ball-handlers and giving them fits. The Jazz would have to part way with some major assets to land Murray, however.
Not because of how well he's played since arriving in Atlanta, as he hasn't, but due to the historical value of him as a player. We know Murray can play great defense, his defense just hasn't been as good in Atlanta for a variety of reasons. Maybe, mainly, his desire to play alongside Trae Young, who historically doesn't play any defense.
That lack of effort may have affected Murray's desire to put his best foot forward with the Atlanta Hawks. While that theory may suggest his play would improve, it also allows for the concern that if things get too hard in Salt Lake City, he may regress. So there are concerns regardless of the reason he declined in Atlanta.
Either he declined because he simply got worse, he declined because he was never that good and was a system player, or he declined due to a combination of a lack of effort and a poor system. Either way, it does make many wonder if trading for Murray is even worth it.
If the Jazz can get him for a combination of players like Jordan Clarkson, Talen Horton-Tucker, a rookie, and two picks, I think you make the move.
But that said, the Jazz may be better off making smaller moves across the board to bolster several spots off the bench.