Lakers Rumors: NBA Insider Deems LAL Trade for Hawks’ Dejounte Murray ‘Unrealistic’

zach bacharContributor IJanuary 28, 2024

Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images

A trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks involving former All-Star point guard Dejounte Murray is now considered “unrealistic,” according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

“Trade talks tend to be fluid this time of year and can be easily sparked up again, but one source briefed on the talks termed the idea of Murray landing with the Lakers before the deadline, as of this Sunday, as ‘unrealistic,'” Stein wrote.

One reported reasons is the recent play of D’Angelo Russell, who is in the midst of one of the best shooting stretches of his career after he returned to the Lakers’ starting lineup on Jan. 13.

In eight games since, the 27-year-old is averaging 27.5 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 52.3 percent from the field and 54.2 percent from three. Los Angeles has also gone 5-3 over that stretch.

Los Angeles Lakers @LakersDLo’s around the back fake had the whole squad on their feet 🤯 pic.twitter.com/C5j2DkYEtD

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports revealed on Friday that the Lakers made “the most aggressive known bid to date” for Murray, although talks between the two teams had stalled. Russell was a sticking point in the discussions, though Atlanta’s front office was reportedly not interested in taking on the remainder of his contract which includes a player option worth roughly $18.6 million for the 2024-25 season (via Spotrac).

Per Stein, the Lakers were initially open to packaging Russell and a first-round pick in the 2029 draft as well as a first-round pick swap before they “dialed back” their pursuit following his improved play as of late. There has reportedly been “little-to-no trade dialogue” between both front offices in recent days.

In fact, Los Angeles has been using pieces of the rumored Murray trade package in discussions with other teams ahead of the Feb. 8 deadline (via Anthony F. Irwin of the Lakers Lounge podcast).

Despite the Hawks’ disappointing 18-27 record and some struggles on the defensive side of the ball, Murray’s individual season has been commendable thus far. In 45 starts, he’s averaging 21.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game on 46.9/38.8/83.0 shooting splits.