The Lakers and Hawks did have some pretty extensive conversations about a Dejounte Murray trade a couple of weeks ago, Shams Charania said on Fanduel TV’s “Run It Back” on January 22. The talks were centered around D’Angelo Russell, a 2029 first-round draft pick, and a pick swap. I’m told the holdup was Atlanta wanting to find a third team for D’Angelo Russell. If the Lakers want to acquire Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray, they will need some assistance.
The matter at hand pertains specifically to Russell’s player option of $18 million for the second year of his two-year, $36 million contract. Atlanta wants to avoid having to pay players back after this season.
Atlanta is looking for a location where they could be able to reclaim a contract that is about to expire, according to Charania. “I anticipate that as the February trade deadline approaches, the parties will retrace their steps.”
Regarding the Hawks and Lakers potentially working out a deal, this line of reporting has been reliable.
Both parties have discussed and rejected ideas. The real test, though, continues to be the deadline.
Three of the previous four games have been won by the Lakers. Additionally, when healthy, their current starting lineup is the same one that led them to the Western Conference Finals the previous year. How willing are they to sabotage that, whatever the price?
Could D’Angelo Russell’s Upcoming Performance Increase Trade Value?
On January 19, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported that the trade values of Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent are all “neutral-to-negative.”
Russell’s play has improved, though; Charania highlighted his performances over the last five games in particular.
Charania remarked, “I think we should give him credit, the way he’s playing.” “I believe he has received a lot of criticism over the past month or so. He has alternated between the starting lineup and is now back in
