According to NBA insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray is the only point guard the Los Angeles Lakers will trade D’Angelo Russell for.
The Lakers won’t trade Russell for Portland Trail Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon, Washington Wizards guard Tyus Jones or Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie.
“The Lakers view trades in which they move Russell for players like Portland’s Malcolm Brogdon, Washington’s Tyus Jones or Brooklyn’s Spencer Dinwiddie as lateral moves at best, and most likely downgrades, according to team sources,” Buha wrote. “Murray is an exception, as previously stated. The Lakers could also try to plug a couple of holes, taking back two players in a deal (like a point guard and wing) in which they send out Russell. But if the Lakers and Hawks don’t resume talks, or Murray is dealt elsewhere, the odds of Russell remaining a Laker nudge closer to 50/50.”
The Lakers have already tried to trade Russell to the Hawks for Murray. The two teams were close to making a deal two weeks ago, but discussions fell through.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Hawks and Lakers are expected to resume trade talks ahead of the trade deadline, which is on February 8. Murray remains the Lakers’ top priority on the trade market, but since the Hawks don’t want to acquire Russell, a third team needs to get involved.
Murray is averaging 21.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks this season while shooting 46.8% from the floor, 38.7% from beyond the arc and 83.5% from the free-throw line. He’s making $17.7 million.
Meanwhile, Russell is averaging 16.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks while shooting 48.2% overall, 42.2% from 3 and 77.8% from the foul line. He’s making $17.3 million.
Murray has the same agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group) as Lakers superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Washington product signed a four-year, $114 million extension with the Hawks last summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Russell has a player option next season worth $18.7 million. He signed a two-year, $36 million contract with the Lakers last offseason.
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