Windhorst: Dejounte Murray told Spurs he would not sign contract extension this summer | Bleacher report

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The San Antonio Spurs reportedly traded All-Star guard Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, raising eyebrows throughout the league.

However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that Spurs decided to part with Murray because it was inevitable that they would lose the 25-year-old.

“He and his agent, Rich Paul, made it known he would not extend his contract with Spurs this summer,” Windhorst said. The Hoop collective podcast.

Murray signed a $ 64 million four-year deal with Spurs in 2019. He has two years left on the deal and is set to earn a base salary of $ 16.6 million next season, per. Spotrac.

Windhorst said Murray was not unhappy, but knew he would be worth more than what San Antonio could afford.

“And it wasn’t really about the Spurs,” Windhorst said. “His contract is about $ 16 million on average. When you extend your contract, you are limited in how much of an increase you can get. And that would probably have been below his market value as a 25-year-old All-Star. But he told them pretty much – he says, ‘I probably won’t extend next summer either’. “

Spurs have reportedly acquired three first-round picks and a future pick-up along with veteran Danilo Gallinari of the Hawks. Although losing Murray is a big blow to San Antonio’s chances of competing for a playoff spot next season, the franchise is set for the future with nine first-round picks over the next five years.