Although the NBA trade deadline is still a month away, things are already beginning to heat up. And one player who will potentially be on the move is Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray.
During a Friday appearance on “NBA Today,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Los Angeles Lakers have been in communication with the Hawks over a possible Murray trade.
Woj: “Atlanta gave up a lot for Dejounte Murray…2 of their own 1st round picks, a pick swap & a third 1st…They wanna get some value back…When you're this far out from the trade deadline usually you're not getting people's best [offers] yet…” pic.twitter.com/3SS6NOfaUr
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 12, 2024
“Atlanta is ready to trade Dejounte Murray. They have given some time to the Trae Young-Dejounte Murray backcourt. They’re ready to move on from it. Dejounte Murray is the player that they’re engaged around the league with,” Wojnarowski said. “They have talked to the Lakers. They’ve exchanged some ideas on a potential trade.
“They want to get some value back for him. So, you look at that Lakers roster and you see what of value do they have that can compete in the marketplace.”
Wojnarowski added that the Hawks have spoken to several other teams around the league as well, but Los Angeles appears to be emerging as early favorites.
The Hawks acquired Murray and Jock Landale from the San Antonio Spurs in June of 2022. In exchange, they sent Danilo Gallinari, a conditional 2023 first-round pick, and 2025 and 2027 first-round picks to the Spurs. The two teams also swapped 2026 first- round picks.
Assuming Atlanta can recoup some of their investment from the Lakers, Murray to Los Angeles does make sense. They are just 19-20 this season and are looking for a spark and some help at guard.
