There is not much time left for the Los Angeles Lakers to make a trade before the NBA trade deadline of February 8, 2024. This has led to a lot of trade rumors regarding potential moves the Lakers could make to strengthen their playoff position.
Dejounte Murray, the star of the Atlanta Hawks, has been linked to Los Angeles more than any other player. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report is coming up with inventive ideas on how the Lakers might be able to snag Murray in the end.
The Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards are also mentioned by the NBA analyst. This results in a trade proposal involving four teams, with Murray going to Los Angeles as the main player.In addition to Murray, the Lakers land the following trade package: Tyus Jones (via Wizards), Wesley Matthews (via Hawks), Mouhamed Gueye (via Hawks) and a $10.5 million trade exception (from trading Gabe Vincent). The Lakers are sending out D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a protected 2029 first rounder, Jaxson Hayes, 2024 second-rounder (via Clippers), 2025 second-rounder, 2027 conditional second-rounder (via Lakers) and the always appreciated cash considerations.NBA Trade Rumors: The Hawks Would Likely Pass on This Lakers’ Package4 team trade that Eric Pincus thinks would work for all 4 teams. Hella 2nd rounders going from the Lakers to Wizards but this might be the best trade proposal i’ve seen so far. pic.twitter.com/HuvXqqFPX2It is a deal that is admittedly complex with all the moving parts. Here is what the Hawks land for the package going to the Lakers, including Murray. Atlanta gets Hood-Schifino (via Lakers), Hayes (via Lakers), Spencer Dinwiddie (via Nets), 2029 protected first-round pick (via Lakers), a massive $18.2 million trade exception from moving Murray and cash considerations. This is where the deal has serious challenges. The thought behind the Hawks moving Murray is because of the less-than-ideal fit alongside Trae Young. Yet, Dinwiddie needs the ball even more than Murray to be effective. This blockbuster proposal only makes sense as a cost-clearing move, rather than a deal that improves the Hawks.Lakers Rumors: Hawks Head Coach Quin Snyder May Be Complicating a Potential Dejounte Murray TradeREPORT: Atlanta Hawks want to find a third team to take on DLo in order to complete a Dejounte Murray trade with the Lakers, per Shams.The Lakers’ chances of landing Murray via trade appear to be getting more complicated. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Hawks head coach Quin Snyder is pushing the front office not to deal Murray at the deadline. “Another interesting wrinkle to emerge on the Murray front: League sources say Coach Quin Snyder has lobbied the Hawks to keep him,” Stein wrote in a January 29 story titled, “The latest from NBA Trade Season (again).” “Murray has not only played well amid considerable trade noise — he recently drained game-winners in back-to-back games against Charlotte and Miami as captured in the video below — but also possesses a pretty manageable contract based on today’s standards.”As Stein points out, Murray’s production is more than living up to his four-year, $114 million contract extension that begins next season. The Lakers would be wise to explore other trade options just in case Atlanta decides not to move the star guard. “There is still time before Feb. 8 at 3 PM ET for discussions with the Lakers or other interested Murray suitors to regain momentum — with Atlanta widely regarded as one of the most open-for-business teams in the league,” Stein added. “The Hawks, though, are obviously not required to trade Murray before this season’s on-rushing deadline because his contract figures to remain movable beyond the deadline.” Jonathan Adams covers the NFL and NBA for Heavy.com, focusing on the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia
