Lakers’ Top Trade, NBA Free Agency Targets After Dejounte Murray Traded to Pelicans

Lakers’ Top Trade, NBA Free Agency Targets After Dejounte Murray Traded to Pelicans0 of 3

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A potential Los Angeles Lakers offseason target went elsewhere on Friday, as the Atlanta Hawks traded guard Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespnNew Orleans has landed Dejounte Murray to anchor the Pelicans backcourt pic.twitter.com/NzLStHAU6Z

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Hawks received a 2025 first-round pick that previously belonged to the Lakers and the least favorable of a 2027 first-round pick from either the Milwaukee Bucks or the Pelicans. New Orleans also included forward Larry Nance Jr. and guard Dyson Daniels in the trade.

Murray could have been a potential acquisition by Los Angeles, with D’Angelo Russell owning a $18.6 million player option for the 2024-25 season. Russell hasn’t made a decision just yet, although ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported in April that he is “likely” to opt out of the final year and enter free agency.

The Lakers have been linked to Murray several times during the offseason, as Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the former All-Star was still on the team’s radar in a June 21 appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

Pat McAfee @PatMcAfeeShow”The pressure is on the Lakers front office to make changes to this roster..

They have to be aggressive and I think Dejounte Murray will come up in trade conversations”@ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/xegZkMdKzu

With Murray now off the table, here are three other players that general manager Rob Pelinka may attempt to acquire ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Jerami Grant (Trade)1 of 3

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The Portland Trail Blazers swingman could help Los Angeles on both sides of the ball, and he already appears to be a target.

Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reported on Monday that Grant “is believed to be another potential addition on the Lakers’ wishlist.” The 30-year-old is a client of Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who also represents LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

While Grant doesn’t have an All-Star appearance under his belt, he’s still developed as a consistent scoring threat with the Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers. Over the past four seasons, he averaged 20.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while shooting 44.6 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three.

If Davis remains at the center spot next season, Grant should theoretically fit nicely at power forward due to his ability to space the floor. He’s also a capable defender and can guard multiple positions, even spending a career-high six percent of his minutes at center during his 2023-24 campaign (via Basketball Reference).

While he’s put up impressive counting stats on several lottery-bound teams, he also has experience with scaling down his role to fit alongside superstars. Grant averaged just 12.0 points per game with the Denver Nuggets throughout the 2019-20 season, thriving in a complementary role next to Nikola Jokić and helping the team make a run to the Western Conference Finals before eventually falling to Los Angeles.

If the Lakers are searching for a two-way wing that can ease the offensive burden on James and Davis, Grant could be an enticing option.

Trae Young (Trade)2 of 3

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If you’re unable to acquire one star Hawks guard, why not attempt to trade for another one?

After selecting French forward Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft on Wednesday, Atlanta could pivot towards a younger roster. Fischer reported on Friday that the Hawks are expected to “gauge trade possibilities” for Young and the “rest of their rostered players” outside of Risacher and forward Jalen Johnson.

The three-time All-Star point guard wrapped up another tremendous season with Atlanta, averaging 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game. Although he shot just 43.0 percent from the field, he remained one of the league’s deadliest three-point shooters by connecting on 37.3 percent of his 8.7 long-range attempts each night.

While the addition of Young would drastically alter the Lakers’ offense, change could be exactly what new head coach JJ Redick wants. Charania, Sam Amick, and Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported on June 20 that Redick discussed his plans for an offensive system that would utilize James off the ball when he interviewed with the team.

Acquiring Young, who ranked No. 3 among all players in average time of possession last season, would allow the NBA’s all-time leading scorer to operate in an off-ball role and conserve his energy for a potential playoff run (via NBA.com).

There appears to be mutual interest if the Lakers pursue a trade, as Los Angeles is reportedly “appealing” to Young if he ends up getting dealt (per Fischer).

If Pelinka wants to make a blockbuster move in the offseason, acquiring the former Oklahoma standout may be his best opportunity to do so.

Klay Thompson (Free Agency)3 of 3

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With his uncertain future in Golden State, could the five-time All-Star shooting guard take a salary cut in order to play for his hometown team?

Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported on June 22 that talks between Thompson and the Warriors were “frozen” and there was “no productive discussion” on a new contract. In fact, no deal was on the table at the time.

The 34-year-old’s connections to the purple and gold are clear. His father, Mychal Thompson, appeared in 335 games for the Lakers from 1986 through 1991. Also, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said that the younger Thompson “would love to be in Los Angeles” on June 17.

During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show shortly after the trade deadline, Charania also mentioned the Lakers as a team that would be expected to express interest in Thompson.

Pat McAfee @PatMcAfeeShow”I think the lack of an extension for Klay Thompson has been an issue and his free agency is looming..

He was amazing last night and he’s shown that he can still help a team” @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/VQL08SyDEW

His fit with Los Angeles is clear, as his ability to keep opposing defenses scrambling without the ball in his hands has been well-documented throughout his career. Despite averaging a relatively disappointing 17.9 points per game last season, Thompson still hit the second-most catch-and-shoot threes in the association (via NBA.com).

The Lakers may have some trouble beating out other teams, though. Matt Moore of Action Network reported on Thursday that the Orlando Magic would be willing to offer Thompson a two-year deal worth $50 million, which Los Angeles would not be able to match.

However, there is an outside chance that he could accept a smaller deal and help the Lakers pursue a championship next to James and Davis.