Just ahead of the contract extension deadline, the San Antonio Spurs secured their point guard of the future on a team-friendly deal.
As the news of contract extensions to standouts from the 2016 NBA Draft class like Jaylen Brown, Buddy Hield and Domantas Sabonis secure long-term deals, the San Antonio Spurs managed to get a deal done to ensure that point guard Dejounte Murray remains in the silver and black long-term.
Renowned NBA news breaker Shams Charania reported on Monday afternoon that Murray and his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports agreed to a four-year, $64 million contract that will keep him in the Alamo City through 2024.
Murray proved himself as a valued contributor to the team in a 2017-18 campaign that earned him All-Defensive second team honors. At only 21 years of age, the product of Washington put his name on the map by totaling 97 blocks steals and 31 blocks in only 21.5 minutes per contest.
Once it was decided that franchise point guard Tony Parker was no longer able to carry the burden of starting for the Spurs, the torch was passed along to Murray. His breakout junior campaign was stymied by an ACL tear which sidelined him for the season, but he’s back and looking better than ever through preseason.
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If there’s one thing the Spurs can depend on Murray for, it’s his heart. Few players exemplify the leadership qualities and unwavering spirit that the 23-year-old does for his mentor and coach, Gregg Popovich. While he may not have as much experience in the NBA as many of the teammates he slots in alongside, Murray has a unique perspective on the game and life that earned him the status of floor general for this squad.
Now that Murray is back in good health, he’s shown the ability to guard some of the best in the game while flashing signs of an improved offensive game including a refined jump shot and increased scoring volume.
With this deal, Dejounte is set to be the face of the Spurs through the 2023-24 season. He’s the only player under contract for that season and is the only non-rookie with a fully guaranteed contract past 2020-2021.
Without question, Murray is a focal point for the Spurs organization heading into a bright future and will embody the Spurs way no matter how these next few seasons play out.