The NBA’s trade deadline is quickly approaching. It will be here before we know it. Every year around this time, new trade targets start to emerge. The 2023-24 season is no exception.
Recently, Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks has become a fashionable target. Why wouldn’t he be? The Hawks are on the cusp of play-in contention at the moment. Meanwhile, Murray is a valuable player who could help some contenders.
The New York Knicks have been linked to Murray. With that said, they’re not the only big market contender who are rumored to be interested in him. Apparently, the Los Angeles Lakers like him as well.
Here’s a deal that sends Murray to Hollywood.
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Dejounte Murray
Murray is an interesting case. It wasn’t long ago that he was traded. When the Hawks flipped three unprotected firsts for Murray, they surely thought that they were giving him a long-term home.
Welcome to the new NBA. Players move rapidly. They request trades like never before. Meanwhile, teams are quicker to move them as well. If something isn’t working, a team may move on from it within a year or two of even beginning the experiment.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
There were always problems with Young and Murray on paper. They’re both ball-dominant. It could work – if the Hawks give it time. Should they?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Well, it doesn’t feel likely to work, does it? The Hawks’ offense in 2022-23 had a “Your turn, my turn” feel. They replaced their head coach. Now, the attack feels roughly the same.
Young and Murray simply don’t have strong on-court synergy. Sure, the same should be true of Young and Russell. He’s largely here to make the money work.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Realistically, the Hawks would look to move Russell this summer. Adding Hachimura as a key reserve wing is a positive. Still, above all else, this is about recouping some draft capital for the Hawks. This pick from an aging Lakers team is especially valuable.
Should the Lakers part with it?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Murray should be a better fit in Los Angeles. Young is a heliocentric, ball-dominant star. On the other hand, LeBron James is ready to move off of the ball on occasion. He’s also shooting a career-best percentage from long-range.
Moreover, he could use some playmaking assistance. Murray can provide it. He’s a dynamic ball-handler who can score and pass. Murray will also be a large upgrade over Russell on the defensive end of the floor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
In other words, he’s worth the assets. The Lakers will be draft-poor following this deal. They’ll also have a legitimate chance at winning an NBA championship. That sounds like a deadline deal worth making to us.
