Following OG Anunoby’s trade to the New York Knicks earlier this week—the second major trade of the season—the NBA trade market was rocked. It appears that the market will continue to move until after February 8th, when the trade deadline is crossed. Teams like the Lakers and the Heat will be hoping to make the right decisions to bolster their roster in the interim.
Although they have expressed interest in Dejounte Murray, the Lakers have not been able to close the deal. Similar to this, the Miami Heat have been searching since the previous trade deadline for a new starting point guard, but they have passed up players like Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard. The Lakers’ desire to take a Hawks player, perhaps the Heat can intervene as well in an attempt to lure Trae Young from Atlanta.
With this trade, the Hawks gain a wealth of young players, draft picks, and NBA players who can still be used, giving them complete control over their future. The Lakers and Heat, meanwhile, get closer to contending in their individual conferences.
Throughout the Trae Young era, the Atlanta Hawks have only made one memorable playoff run. The team has spent the other years coasting and finishing the regular season or the first round of the playoffs. In Atlanta, Young has also struggled to get along with coaches and hasn’t been able to improve his defensive play. Despite having some of the NBA’s best playmaking and shooting, he is a one-note offensive player. However, the Hawks have found it difficult to develop around Young, so they might cut him before his value drops. They’ve already started considering Dejounte Murray trades.
The Hawks receive five players in exchange for losing their starting backcourt. This season, D’Angelo Russell is struggling, averaging 14.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists.
Tyler Herro, who has been improving throughout the years, is the true winner of this deal. Despite his struggles with injury, he is averaging 23.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists this season. His enhanced playmaking, ball handling, and defense might make him a valuable player for the Hawks to keep around. Herro is a player Atlanta should hang onto for the long run, while the others may come and go.
The Lakers Acquire A New Point Guard And A Shooter
Since LeBron James joined the Lakers in 2018, the team has needed a steadying presence at point guard. The Lakers won a championship in the year they had a guard rotation that included Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley and was reasonably effective. Since then, players like Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook have failed to carry out that responsibility. Dejounte Murray could hold the key.
For the season, Murray is averaging 20.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. The Hawks now face an insurmountable ceiling as a result of his awkward fit next to Trae. LeBron James, the team captain for the Lakers, will be one of his teammates.
