The Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks have been engaged in trade discussions. These talks have been centered around Dejounte Murray. Here is what we know about a potential Murray trade to the Lakers.
NBA Rumors: Lakers Discussing Trade for All-Star Guard
Murray Lakers Trade Discussed
There’s been discussion of a potential trade deal between the Hawks and the Lakers:
Hawks receive:
D’Angelo Russell
Jalen Hood-Schifino
2029 first-round pick
additional draft compensationLakers receive:
Dejounte Murray“Talks have since stalled, but are expected to pick… pic.twitter.com/erwzQQMbrw
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 19, 2024
The Hawks would receive two Lakers guards in D’Angelo Russell and Jalen Hood-Schifino.
Russell is averaging 15.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists this season. He is also an exceptional three-point shooter at 40.1 percent. However, he is a liability on defense.
Hood-Schifino, the 17th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft out of Indiana, has played sparingly this season. He has averaged 2.2 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 8.3 minutes across nine games. The verdict is certainly still out on Hood-Schifino, as he is in his rookie year on a team aiming to contend for a championship. There is uncertainty over whether Atlanta would accept Hood-Schifino as the only Lakers player other than Russell coming over in this trade.
A 2029 first round pick from the Lakers would also go to Atlanta, as well as additional draft compensation. That could mean more picks or cash considerations. The 2029 pick would be attractive to Atlanta, considering the Lakers may well be in full-rebuild mode by then. The Lakers could also choose to offer an additional first round pick from either 2026, 2027, 2028, or 2030.
While the talks have stalled for now, according to the Athletic’s Lakers reporter Jovan Buha, the buzz around the potential move is increasing. Buha added that these talks are expected to resume as we get closer to the NBA trade deadline.
Murray Lakers Trade Alternatives:
The Lakers have been linked with a plethora of names, as is the case every year. Potential trade candidates include:
Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant
Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier
Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr.
Brooklyn Nets wings Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale
How Murray Fits in Los Angeles
Murray made the All-Star team during the 2021-22 season, posting exceptional numbers. During that campaign, he averaged 21.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. He also led the league in total steals with 138, averaging two per game.
Since coming to the Hawks, his role has been diminished due to Trae Young being the primary playmaker in the ATL. This season, the former Washington guard is averaging 21 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.
A trade to the Lakers could see him become the main playmaker once again. LeBron James is now 39, and cannot be asked to handle the all the playmaking duties every single night if the Lakers want to have a shot at a deep postseason run. Austin Reaves is asked to run the team at times, mostly with the bench unit, but is not at his best inn that role. Murray would be a perfect fit with the Lakers.
