the Lakers have decided to seal the deal with Dejounte Murray ahead of the trade deadline.
Since the Los Angeles Lakers frequently make significant winter swings to help their team find stability and push for contention in the final few months, the team is sure to be discussed during trade season. Following months of being connected to Zach LaVine, Shams Charania has revealed that the Lakers are considering trade offers for Dejounte Murray, the guard for the Hawks.
“Lakers guard Dejounte Murray of the Hawks is a possible target. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis already under contract, Murray’s four-year, $120 million extension is set to begin next season. This makes it a fair salary to be earning. The Lakers will need to include players like Austin Reaves in any trade they pursue for elite players.
Against the Hawks this season, Murray is averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. The former All-Defensive selection was expected to be Trae Young’s counterbalance in Atlanta, but it’s evident that the team’s dual-guard setup hasn’t been as successful for either player. Murray’s lack of engagement is becoming more and more apparent, which is concerning considering the amount of assets the Hawks sent to San Antonio in 2022 to sign him.
The Hawks have no immediate need to trade Dejounte this season because he is signed to a long-term contract. Although their current record of 12-18 doesn’t bode well for the franchise, they could still make a run to secure a play-in spot. Although Murray might be useful in a win-now scenario in Los Angeles, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario in which D’Angelo Russell is the main trade component that brings Murray to the Lakers.
The Lakers can only trade their 2027 first-round draft pick, which is the only first-round pick they have available this season, when evaluating their tradeable assets. In order to free up the final pick they owe the Pelicans from the Anthony Davis trade and to remove the Stepien Rule restrictions on other picks, they can move at least three picks during the 2024 NBA Draft.
