Troy Murphy of the New Jersey Nets reportedly on the trading block
In recent days, the New Jersey Nets seem to have more confidence in Kris Humphries than they do in Troy Murphy. Over the past four games, Humphries has started in place of Murphy, with
the latter playing only eight total minutes in the past three games.
And citing a source with knowledge of the team, the Star-Ledger reported on Friday 19 November that the Nets have put Murphy on the trading block. Murphy, acquired by the Nets this past
summer, averaged 14.6 points and 10.2 rebounds last year but has seen his numbers drop to 4.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in 20.4 minutes per night.
When asked by reporters if he would be open to a trade yesterday after practice, Murphy ignored the question. “I’m just trying to get better every day. Just trying to improve every single
day. Trying to improve, get better and better, (and) be a better player. Every day."
Humphries has played well as a starter this season, averaging 9.5 points and 13.0 rebounds. When you add in the strong play of rookie Derrick Favors, averaging 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds,
Murphy could be considered the odd man out.
Murphy missed the entire pre-season and his team’s first three games with a back injury but started in the next four. With Murphy sitting out their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers
on 10 November with a sore foot, Humphries was inserted into the starting lineup and has been there ever since.
New Jersey coach Avery Johnson said he has talked to Murphy twice about the situation, adding that the power forward has continued to work hard even with the trade distractions. "It’s
a game-by-game situation. He worked hard in the weight room today, and we’ll just keep it going day-to-day, game-by-game. We’re going to communicate as much as we need to, and that’s pretty much where we are right there."
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