Trae Young discussed the challenges of his duo with Dejounte Murray on the Podcast P with Paul George, Presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment, revealing why their partnership struggled.
Young noted that while the pairing had its positives, such as developing a strong off-court relationship, it did not translate into success on the court. “I mean it was good and bad,” Young said. “The only bad part is we didn’t get to win as much as we wanted to be honest with you.”
He elaborated that their unselfish playing styles created a mismatch in roles. “We both very unselfish in ways so it’s like there were times early where I’m just, I’m passing it to him and he wants to be aggressive but he’s a point guard too,” Young explained.
“So he’s not, you know what I’m saying, thinking score first all the time. But when I’m on the court sometimes he’s a shooting guard, but sometimes, you know what I’m saying?”
Young highlighted that while Murray was known for his defensive skills in San Antonio, his role in Atlanta did not fit as seamlessly. “It’s just a different feel,” Young added. “So it just sucks it didn’t work.”
Despite their struggles, Young expressed appreciation for the personal connection they built, underscoring that their relationship extends beyond basketball.
“The good part is we have a lifelong relationship,” he said. “Our relationship goes outside of basketball. We’re both family men. Our morals are very much similar.”
Young admitted the failure was disappointing, stating, “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…it just didn’t work out on the court and it sucks.”
After two seasons together, the Hawks traded Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this offseason, as the team sought a new direction.
In the past season, Murray averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, while Young posted 25.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game.
The Hawks finished 10th in the Eastern Conference and were eliminated from the playoffs after losing to the Chicago Bulls in the Play-In Tournament.
