NBA rumor: Source skeptical of Miami Heat's interest in Dejounte Murray

Dejounte Murray is among the hottest names on the trade market and it’s been reported that the Miami Heat could be interested in dealing for the Atlanta Hawks guard.

However, a source that spoke with the Miami Herald expressed skepticism that the Heat would make a strong push for Murray. 

From the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson:

"“One person in touch with the Heat’s front office expressed skepticism about the likelihood of the Heat making a particularly aggressive push for Murray, without knowing for sure what Miami would do.”"

Yahoo! Sports reported last week that the Heat and Hawks had “preliminary conversations” about Murray, who the Hawks appear ready to move on from after less than two full seasons. 

According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, no team has yet been willing to meet Atlanta’s asking price of two first-round picks.

Teams such as the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs have been reported to have interest in Murray. Murray, who began his career in San Antonio before getting traded to Atlanta, told the TNT broadcast that he “would welcome” a chance to play for Spurs coach Gregg Popovich again.

Murray, 27, is under contract for four years following this season and is the kind of player who could be a long-term fit at point guard for the Heat. Murray is averaging 20.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting a career-high 38.6% on 3s. Although his defense has slipped since joining the Hawks, he’s generally regarded as capable on that end.

The Heat could deal Kyle Lowry’s expiring and other assets (Nikola Jovic and up to two future firsts) for Murray and salary ballast coming back from Atlanta, but that has the potential to add to their tax bill. Another option is to trade Duncan Robinson and assets to the Hawks for Murray, but there’s no indication that those conversations were ever had.

The Heat have generally only offered those assets in exchange for an All-NBA-type talent. As good as Murray is, he's not quite that, and it's unclear if Miami would be willing to include those assets in a potential deal.