Sean Gardner / Getty Images
The San Antonio Spurs reportedly replaced star Dejunte Murray defender Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, raising eyebrows in the league.
However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst announced that the Spurs had decided to break up with Murray because it was inevitable that they would lose the 25-year-old.
“He and his agent Rich Paul have indicated that he will not extend his contract with the Spurs this summer,” Windhorst told The Hoop team podcast.
Murray has signed a four-year, $ 64 million contract with the Spurs in 2019. He has two years left on the deal and is ready to win a base salary of $ 16.6 million next season, for Spotrak.
Windhorst said Murray was unhappy, but knew it would cost more than San Antonio could afford.
“And it wasn’t necessarily for the Spurs,” Windhorst said. “His contract averages about $ 16 million. When you extend your contract, you are limited in how much increase you can get. And it would probably be below its market value as a 25-year-old All-Star. But he almost told them – he says, “I probably won’t extend it next summer.”
The Spurs reportedly won three first-round selections and a future exchange with veteran striker Danilo Galinari of the Hawks. While Murray’s loss is a major blow to San Antonio’s chances of fighting for a place in the playoffs next season, the franchise is set for the future with nine first-round picks over the next five years.
Add Comment