There has been “little to no” dialogue in recent days between the Lakers and Hawks about a potential Dejounte Murray trade, league sources tell veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein (Substack link). The clubs reportedly previously discussed the possibility of a deal that would include D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick, a pick swap, and possibly rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino.
As Stein notes, there’s still more than enough time before the February 8 trade deadline for the two teams to reengage, but he spoke to one source briefed on the talks who believes it’s “unrealistic” that Murray ends up with the Lakers.
One factor for the disconnect between the two clubs, Stein explains, is a gap in how they value Russell. The veteran point guard has been playing some of the best basketball of his career as of late, averaging 27.5 points and 6.4 assists per game since being reinserted into the Lakers’ starting lineup on January 13.
However, the Hawks appear to have no real interest in acquiring D-Lo and would want to flip him to a third team in a potential Murray trade. With Russell performing so well recently, the Lakers’ pursuit of Murray seems to have been “dialed back,” Stein writes.
Here’s more from Stein’s latest Substack article:
- Some industry insiders think the NBA’s next media rights deal will be a shorter-term agreement than the league’s current nine-year pact, which is expiring in 2025. As Stein points out, a five-year media rights deal could put commissioner Adam Silver in position to lead negotiations on the next contract after that, before his new extension expires.
- Grizzlies big man Xavier Tillman is a player to watch as a possible trade candidate in the next week-and-a-half, according to Stein. Tillman is the only one of 15 Grizzlies on standard deals who doesn’t have a contract for next season — 13 have guaranteed salaries, while Memphis holds a team option on Luke Kennard.
- Stein also passes along some reporting from his podcast co-host Chris Haynes, who stated on his latest Bleacher Report live stream that the Cavaliers have zero interest in fielding inquiries on Jarrett Allen at this season’s trade deadline.
Lakers can sweeten the pot with some cash. They can send a 3rd team D-Lo and $7M in cash plus a 2nd round pick.
Murray is a good fit in LA. This would be huge for Lakers
Laughable trade. D’Lo is one dimensional and not a center piece. A pick that far that down the line is lame. Lakers don’t even play JHS! like come on no value.
Personally, think the Lakers should rethink their trade ideas.
Reaves as shown what he is. A solid offensive guard who gives effort on defense but is continually targeted.
Include him in the deal for Murray instead of Russell.
A starting 5 of Russell, Murray, Prince LeBron, Davis is a better starting 5 than Reaves Murray Prince LeBron Davis.
You mean Atlanta won’t trade Murray for a drink bottle and a towel? Move onto Mitchell or Luka even.
Tons of yapping and no action. Get the deal done or move on.
If Russell is so good why are they trying to trade him?
You have to match money and Russell is on a contract that lines up with Murray’s current contract; his extension doesn’t kick in until next year.
Russell is better than you think. I don’t see how the lakers have enough to get Muuray. But the Lakers usually get what they want except Chris Paul.
I don’t blame the Hawks… No 3 players on earth could make up for a Dlo and Trae back court on D…
I just don’t see how a team rebuilding wouldn’t offer two firsts and some expiring then
The thing I don’t really understand for the lakers is, even when Dlo, Bron and AD all go off for 20/30+ with rebounds and assist they still struggle to win games.
In trading for Murray your going to be better defensively but he’s not going to shoot as well as Dlo and he will take time to adjust to a new team etc. It’s not like Dlos playing terrible and you need the upgrade, I understand Murray is better but not 2 first round picks better in my opinion. Overall it just doesn’t make much sense to me other than desperation….
I’d be more inclined to try something like Rui Hachimura and Cam Reddish for Nikola Vucevic
Dlo Reaves Bron AD Vuce
Vincent Christie Prince Vando Wood
Then if you wanted to upgrade the defence, put Bron at the 1 and start either Vando or Prince.
Plus then you keep your first round picks.
Finally fill the centre spot with someone that’ll score 20, can still space the floor and gets boards.
Darvin Ham for a dumpster that’s already on fire.
They are talking that with the Lakers but wanted Ausar Thompson and Jaden Ivey from Detroit plus first round picks? The Lakers are desperate to add star power around LeBron and Davis. I’m surprised they haven’t asked for Max Christy as well. Why not get the Bulls involved and flip Russell for Lavine?