A trade deal that would take Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray to Los Angeles is now the Lakers’ top priority before the February 8 NBA trade deadline.
That is according to the Athletic’s Jovan Buha, who told the Hoops Hype podcast the Hawks guard is the ‘most likely trade outcome’ now for the Lakers.
Murray has been continually linked with a move away from Georgia in the coming weeks and Darvin Ham is keen to add another former all-star to his ranks alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Lakers could face competition
The Hawks are reportedly looking for two first-round picks and a starting-level player in exchange for Murray, with the Lakers keen to offload D’Angelo Russell as part of the trade.
However, the Hawks want a third team to become involved with the trade to take Russell and that could complicate matters for the Lakers and invite other suitors.
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Dejounte Murray is the Lakers’ top priority on the trade market, per @jovanbuha (https://t.co/oIPSUpLCQ4).The current holdup for a deal with the Hawks is finding a third team to take on D’Angelo Russell, which would cost a first-round pick swap or multiple second-round picks. pic.twitter.com/fCRJrad6bZ
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 25, 2024
“From my understanding, Dejounte Murray is their priority right now,” Buha said. “To me, he’d be the most likely trade outcome right now if I was handicapping the odds. I think they’re the favorites to land him.
“Again, the big hurdle right now is finding that third team. The longer this process drags out, you risk if another player or two gets moved, and it becomes a game of musical chairs where now Terry Rozier is off the board, and the more movement that happens, you don’t want to be the team that’s left without an upgrade.
“Maybe that drives up the Dejounte price, and maybe Philadelphia or another suitor gets involved that has assets and can outbid the Lakers.”
