Lamond

Murray

Murray is currently on the IL, but not quite hurt. Toronto is willing to deal him, but the main obstacle is that Murray is slated to make $4.2 million, $4.875 million, and $5.2 million over the next three seasons. San Antonio, Houston, Orlando and Utah may have some interest.

The Raptors would love to trade Murray if they could. Teams are more interested in Morris Peterson, though.

With a new coach in place, Murray will get a chance to compete with Jalen Rose, Donyell Marshall and Morris Peterson for playing time at small forward. Rose and Marshall will see time at other positions, but it still looks like a crowded situation.

There’s a chance he’ll have some value for the new-look Raptors, but he’ll need a lot more than 19 minutes for that to happen.

The Raptors were down 19 in the fourth, when Murray hit 6-of-7 shots to lead the Raptors charge. Vince Carter sat out the fourth quarter and it looks like Murray may be one of Sam Mitchell’s guys. Keep your eye on him.

Murray was originally expected back in March, but there’s no longer any timetable for his return. He could miss the entire season.

He doesn’t have much value with the Raptors unless Donyell Marshall is going to miss extended time.

Add Murray to the list of gifts given to the Nets by the Raptors. Things just keep getting worse for Raps GM Rob Babcock, who also gave the Nets Vince Carter for nothing last year. Murray isn’t a great player these days, but he’s a solid veteran who can score in bunches when needed, meaning he should give the Nets a nice punch off the bench. However, If Nets fans were given a choice between getting Murray, Marc Johnson, Scott Padgett and Jeff McInnis this offseason or getting Shareef Abdur-Rahim, they’d rather have ‘Reef.

No one is happier about this move than Murray, who will be free to sign with another team.

At this time Murray does not have a role on this team, but could provide some value down the roat. “I’m here to play and help the team out,” Murray said. “But they must feel they don’t need me or I can’t contribute, and that’s not something I can change.”