Lakers’ potential framework for Dejounte Murray trade revealed
Apr 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against the Washington Wizards in the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
A possible framework (convincing or not) for the Los Angeles Lakers to land Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray is being revealed this week.
Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported Friday on one particular trade iteration that the Lakers and Hawks have recently discussed. It would have Murray heading to the Lakers in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2029 first-round draft pick, and additional draft compensation.
Buha notes that the two teams discussed that trade framework late last week but that talks have since stalled. However, the negotiations are expected to pick back up closer to the Feb. 8 trade deadline, Buha adds.
The 27-year-old former All-Star Murray, signed through 2028, is one of the most popular trade candidates being linked to the Lakers at the moment. He plays a scoring, playmaking, and defending role that the team badly needs and is even represented by Klutch Sports (the same agency that represents LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and several other Lakers).
But the Hawks, a likely trade deadline seller at 17-23, can probably do better than that package. Russell is a stopgap option at best and might even be rerouted to another team if Atlanta lands him. Meanwhile, the framework doesn’t include one upside player that the Lakers want to hold onto or even some of their better second-tier assets like Rui Hachimura or Max Christie.
It is possible that the Lakers could still up their offer with several weeks still to go before the deadline. But if they do not, the Hawks might just send the 21-ppg-scorer Murray to a different Western Conference club instead.
