The Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks have been engaged in conversations surrounding Dejounte Murray for weeks.
Just a few days ago, a report surfaced revealing that thus far only L.A. and one other team had actually submitted meaningful offers for Murray’s services.
And while one team continues to hover in the background, realistically if a deal does go down between Atlanta and anyone, it will likely include Los Angeles.
Fortunately, the Lakers’ most recent trade offer to the Hawks for Murray’s services is a matter of public record. If something occurs, the final package likely won’t deviate much from what has already been presented.
In that respect, let’s grade the trade proposal that is currently on the table:
D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2029 first-round pick and additional draft compensation to be determined later would go to Atlanta. In return, the Lakers would receive Murray.
On paper, this deal is a clear A+ for the Lakers. Hood-Schifino appears to be a bust; Russell is a talented player, but one with severe limitations that got exposed in last year’s playoffs; and the rest of the financial/draft compensation is of debatable value.
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Murray is 27 years old and one of the best two-way players in the NBA. He would keep the Lakers relevant alongside Anthony Davis for years to come.
As far as the Hawks go – this trade is a C for them. Hood-Schifino isn’t worth a flyer for them and Russell has zero value to them as a contributor. They would need to flip him elsewhere, and his desirability around the league is debatable.
That being said, everything depends on how eager the Hawks are to get rid of Murray ASAP. And given how little legitimate interest they have received thus far from anyone regarding him, they may be forced to send him to the Lakers for peanuts if they truly want to get rid of him.
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A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
