One NBA writer is proposing that the Los Angeles Lakers acquire Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks this offseason.
Our own James Piercey of NBA Analysis Network proposed that the Lakers send Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt and a first-round pick in 2029 to the Hawks for Murray, who has a close relationship with LeBron James.
“Murray could take on primary playmaking responsibilities,” Piercey wrote. “This may not be the cleanest fit, but if James is serious about taking a backseat, it could be a good one. Meanwhile, Murray and Anthony Davis should combine to make for one of the best inside/outside defensive tandems in the NBA.
“The Hawks have a few incentives to do this deal. Firstly, Beasley is a cleaner fit for Trae Young. This is an off-ball player. Beasley will space the floor with his movement shooting while Young goes to work. Should the Hawks return to heliocentric ball built around Young? Not on a long-term basis. This is a temporary measure until they’re able to land Young a more fitting co-star. With that in mind, this deal helps them accomplish that goal. This first-round pick isn’t any first-round pick. Coming from the aging Lakers, it’s especially valuable. Throw in a versatile defender like Vanderbilt, and this is a fair return for the Hawks. It may be the best shot the Hawks can take.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Hawks acquired Murray from the San Antonio Spurs last offseason. The All-Star averaged 20.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists this season while shooting 46.4% from the field, 34.4% from beyond the arc and 83.2% from the free-throw line.
Murray signed a four-year, $64 million rookie extension with the Spurs in October 2019. He will make $17.7 million next season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
According to NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Murray could be on the move this offseason.
“The Hawks are facing a more immediate problem under the new CBA, with a payroll projected to be $172 million and $16.4 million in luxury taxes (more if players hit various incentives). The team is believed to be looking for a home for John Collins, but some whispers abound that Dejounte Murray could be had in the right deal,” Pincus wrote.
“Murray is due $18.2 million this season but may not be open to an extension limited to a $25.4 million starting salary. Unless Atlanta can shed significant salary elsewhere, they may not be able to afford Murray at his current price, let alone on a new deal in his likely asking range above $30 million.”
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