Trae Young recently discussed why his partnership with Dejounte Murray in Atlanta did not yield the success the Hawks had anticipated. Speaking on Paul George’s “Podcast P,” Young acknowledged the disappointment surrounding their on-court performance, while also emphasizing the positives that emerged from their two seasons together.
Young began by explaining that while there were both good and bad aspects to their collaboration, the most significant downside was their inability to win as much as they had hoped. He pointed out that despite their struggles on the court, the relationship between him and Murray transcends basketball. Both players share similar values, particularly when it comes to family, and this has allowed them to forge a bond that extends beyond the game. “The way we get along off the court is forever,” Young said, underscoring the depth of their personal connection.
However, when it came to their on-court dynamics, Young admitted that things just didn’t click. He noted that their struggles were not unique, as many other duos in NBA history have faced similar challenges. “We wanted to win, but it’s just sometimes we’re not the first duo that couldn’t work and we’re not going to be the last,” he said. Young emphasized that the disappointment of their on-court failure is something both he and Murray have come to terms with, even though it remains a sore spot.
One of the key issues, according to Young, was the difficulty in finding the right balance between their playing styles. Both Young and Murray are naturally unselfish players, which sometimes led to a lack of assertiveness at critical moments. Young mentioned that there were times when he would defer to Murray, who, despite being a point guard, would often find himself in situations where he needed to adopt a more aggressive scoring mentality. This back-and-forth dynamic created confusion, with Murray occasionally playing as a shooting guard, which further complicated their roles on the court.
Young also reflected on the initial expectations that came with Murray’s arrival from San Antonio. Murray had built a reputation as a strong defender with the ability to contribute across various aspects of the game. The Hawks believed that his defensive skills and versatility would complement Young’s offensive prowess. However, the transition to a more prominent role in Atlanta proved challenging for Murray. The chemistry that the Hawks had hoped for never fully materialized, leading to inconsistent performances and a lack of the desired success.
The Hawks’ struggles during the Young-Murray era were evident in their overall record. Despite their individual talents, the team finished with a 55-62 record when both players were on the court together. The lack of cohesion ultimately resulted in a first-round playoff exit in 2023, followed by a failure to qualify for the postseason in 2024. These outcomes fell far short of the team’s aspirations, prompting the Hawks to reconsider the viability of the Young-Murray pairing.
In the offseason, the Hawks decided to move on from the experiment, trading Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans. While the partnership didn’t pan out as hoped, Young remains optimistic about the personal relationship he and Murray built during their time together. Despite the disappointment on the court, Young values the connection they share off the court and believes that it will endure beyond their time as teammates.
Looking ahead, the Hawks are now in the midst of significant roster changes, including the drafting of Zaccharie Risacher. The team is focused on rebuilding and charting a new course for the future. As for Young, his own future in Atlanta remains uncertain amidst ongoing trade rumors. What is clear, however, is that the Young-Murray era in Atlanta has come to an end, marking a new chapter for both the team and its star player.
