According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks is “unrealistic.”
D’Angelo Russell’s strong play since being reinserted into the Lakers’ starting lineup has changed things.
“League sources say that there has been little-to-no trade dialogue in recent days between the Hawks and the Lakers when it comes to former All-Star Dejounte Murray,” Stein wrote. “Trade talks tend to be fluid this time of year and can be easily sparked up again, but one source briefed on the talks termed the idea of Murray landing with the Lakers before the deadline, as of this Sunday, as unrealistic.”
The Lakers offered Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino and draft picks to the Hawks for Murray, who has the same agent as LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Atlanta was resistant to the inclusion of Russell unless a third team could be found to take on his contract. Russell has a player option next season worth $18.7 million.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers’ pursuit of Murray has been dialed back since Russell has been on fire recently. D’Lo is averaging 27.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.0 blocks over his last eight games while shooting 52.3% from the field, 54.2% from beyond the arc and 92.0% from the free-throw line.
The NBA trade deadline is on February 8. If Russell continues his stellar play, it sounds like the Lakers won’t trade the lefty for Murray.
Russell is averaging 17.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks on the season while shooting 48.0% overall, 42.9% from 3 and 79.4% from the foul line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, D’Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, Murray is averaging 21.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks while shooting 46.9% from the floor, 38.8% from 3-point land and 83.0% from the charity stripe.
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