The Atlanta Hawks have been central figures in most of this year’s NBA Trade Deadline conversations.
Dejounte Murray’s ongoing status is a matter of public record. Atlanta wants to move him – but only for the right price. Two teams have presented legitimate offers for his services, but neither met the Hawks’ desired asking price.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ proposal, specifically, has received intense scrutiny.
This week, just as the 2024 NBA Draft Deadline prepares to come and go, Trae Young’s name suddenly appeared in the headlines.
On Wednesday, odds makers released odds on who Young would be dealt to in the event Atlanta opted to move him.
The Lakers came in at as the favorites at +300, followed closely by the Chicago Bulls at +400.
Rounding out the top five for Young’s services were the Dallas Mavericks at +500, New Orleans Pelicans at +600 and San Antonio Spurs at +700.
Young going to the Lakers would certainly make a lot of sense. Rumors of this move occurring have intensified in recent weeks. Generally speaking in the NBA, where there is smoke – there’s fire.
While LeBron James has expressed a desire in adding a different point guard over Young, he would certainly settle for him if the situation presented itself.
The question at this juncture is simply whether Atlanta would agree to part with Young. Over the past year they have expressed mixed sentiments about the prospect.
In some ways the organization seems to want to start a rebuild. In other ways, they appear to want to give building around Young one more shot.
Over the past few days the Lakers have been linked to 3 key role players and a desperate scramble to patch one key ‘need’ area.
Patrick Mahomes’ Dad Linked To Model After Arrest (Photos): https://t.co/HdrG7KSxEn
— Game 7 (@game7__) February 7, 2024
Obviously if either of those moves occur, Young isn’t coming to the Lakers.
If the Lakers feel like acquiring Murray is off the table ahead of Thursday, though – don’t be surprised if they make a last-ditch effort to bring in Young.
Related: Grading The Lakers And Hawks’ Dejounte Murray Trade
Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.