In the unfolding drama of NBA trade talks, insiders Brian Windhorst and Adrian Wojnarowski have shed light on the Los Angeles Lakers’ keen interest in acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks.
According to Windhorst, the Lakers are closely monitoring the situation, eyeing Murray as a solution to bolster their guard lineup. “I think the Lakers are keeping an eye on Dejounte Murray with the Atlanta Hawks,” he shared on a recent episode of ESPN’s NBA Today. Windhorst highlighted Murray’s versatility, emphasizing how the guard could share ball-handling responsibilities with LeBron James.
Wojnarowski chimed in with additional details on Atlanta’s disposition towards trading Murray, stating, “Atlanta’s ready to trade Dejounte Murray. They have given some time to Trey Young-Dejounte Murray backcourt. I think they’re ready to move on from it.” He revealed that the Hawks have been actively engaging with multiple teams, including the Lakers, in trade discussions involving Murray.
As the trade talks intensify, Wojnarowski outlined the potential cost for the Lakers to secure Murray’s services. “According to Wojnarowski’s sources, the Hawks are likely to demand a first-round pick from the Lakers along with including Austin Reaves in the deal,” indicating the significant assets the Hawks are seeking in return.
Wojnarowski also hinted at the complexity of the negotiations, suggesting the possibility of a three or four-team deal. “You talked about the draft pick; it would almost assuredly have to be a deal for Dejounte Murray,” he explained, emphasizing the intricate nature of the potential trade scenario.
For the Lakers, the decision-making process involves weighing the benefits of acquiring Murray against the cost, particularly in terms of including promising guard Reaves in the deal. As the trade deadline looms, the Lakers find themselves navigating a competitive landscape with other teams vying for Murray’s services.