Woj: ‘Nothing there yet’ on potential Lakers trade for Hawks’ Dejounte Murray

January 24, 2024

The Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks have held trade talks on guard Dejounte Murray, but despite some reports to the contrary, the sides aren’t close to a deal, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

“Dejounte Murray had a great week, last week had a couple game-winners. You know, they’ve talked with the Lakers,” Wojnarowski said on his podcast. “They’ve exchanged the idea of on some concepts. There’s nothing there yet. Certainly some other places, some other teams, with interest in Murray, but Atlanta wants to get value back.

“And they gave up a lot to San Antonio (for Murray) — three first-round picks, and they’re not going to get that back in this trade.”

The Lakers reportedly have been interested in sending the Hawks a package built around guard D’Angelo Russell, but multiple reports suggest Atlanta would only do that if it could flip Russell to a third team. The Hawks have also asked the Lakers about guard Austin Reaves.

The Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets are other teams that have been linked to Murray.

The Lakers (22-23) are tied with the Uta Jazz for ninth place in the Western Conference. They are said to be looking to add speed and athleticism at the wing spots before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

But sources told Hoops Wire they would significantly have to raise the reported package to have a shot at landing Murray. In the meantime, the Hawks are engaging other teams who can put together significant offers.

Atlanta reportedly is seeking at least two first-round picks in exchange for Murray. The Toronto Raptors recently received three from the Indiana Pacers in a trade for forward Pascal Siakam.

Murray, 27, is averaging 21.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 steals, shooting 47 percent from the field and 39 percent on 3-pointers. He’s due $17.7 million this season.

He signed a four-year, $114 million extension with the Hawks in July and is widely expected to be traded ahead of the Feb. 8 deadline.

Atlanta (18-25) is in 10th place in the Eastern Conference and is again looking like a play-in tea. The Hawks have accepted that the combination of Murray and Trae Young isn’t working in the backcourt.