The Atlanta Hawks should have no trouble finding interested parties to deal for Dejounte Murray before the NBA trade deadline on February 8. The 27-year-old guard might help any of the other 29 clubs in the league score more goals.
Who might be the Hawks’ trading partners? Maybe the Lakers from Los Angeles.
If Murray is traded, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reports that the Lakers are one team “to keep an eye on” as a potential destination for him. Los Angeles would benefit greatly from that.
With a 17–15 record, the Lakers are currently in ninth place in the Western Conference. With a nucleus that includes LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as well as star power, they proved they can be a formidable team by winning the NBA’s first in-season tournament.
However, if Los Angeles wanted to legitimize its title hopes, it may use another great player. Murray would be a great addition to the backcourt because of that.
Over the last three seasons, Murray—a seven-year NBA veteran—has averaged over 20 points per game. He has had a solid 2023–24 campaign thus far, averaging 20.2 points, 5.3 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game.
Murray’s future with Atlanta is uncertain. However, according to Ian Begley of SNY, the Hawks have been “receptive to trade offers this season,” so it’s not out of the question.
Is it possible that the Lakers could put together the kind of trade deal needed to get Murray? That might change based on the Hawks’ demands, which are currently unknown.
However, the Lakers should be ready to part with a ton of draft capital if Murray signs a long-term extension. At season’s end, he will be eligible to become an unrestricted free agency.
However, as a pending UFA, Murray’s cost might be reduced. Assuming that to be accurate, the Lakers should have no problem agreeing to pay the Hawks’ asking price.
Among the Los Angeles players, only Davis and James have averaged more than 15.1 points per game so far in the season. Therefore, the Lakers would have a formidable three-headed scoring attack at the top of their lineup with Murray’s addition.
A deal involving Murray and either team before February 8 would be logical, since he might be a fantastic fit in Los Angeles.
