It seems like the Los Angeles Lakers are running out of patience.
most recent defeat, a 127-109 thumping at the hands of the Phoenix Suns, may force them to abandon their patience and pursue a trade in order to turn things around.
“Atlanta’s ready to trade Dejounte Murray,” stated ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski “NBA Today” on January 12. “The Lakers have spoken with them. They have discussed possible trade proposals with one another.
Murray signed a four-year contract extension for up to $120 million in July 2023, but he is now in the last year of a four-year, $64 million deal. That will enable the team to control him for the 2027–2028 season.
However, Raptors Republic’s Samson Folk stated that he understood Murray’s agreement to the transaction included a commitment to avoid becoming involved in transfer negotiations involving Pascal Siakam.
The former San Antonio Spur is a one-time All-Star who led the league in steals in 2021-22.
With 21.1 points per game, he is tying his career high and setting a new career best with a true shooting percentage of 56.4%. He is enjoying a great individual season. However, the Hawks’ record this season is 15–21.
Wojnarowski stated, “[The Hawks] have given the Trae Young-Dejounte Murray backcourt some time.” “They’re prepared to put it behind them. The player they are engaged to throughout the league is Dejounte Murray.
However, they are involved with numerous teams. They made many sacrifices for Dejounte Murray. They hope to recoup part of his value. Upon examining the Lakers roster, one may determine their level of value and ability to contend in the market. I believe a lot of teams are considering him. How much are they willing to give up for Murray, is the question.
Since the beginning of the season, the Lakers players who are most frequently the subject of rumors—D’Angelo Russell foremost—have seen a decline in their trade value. The Lakers also have no intention of trading Austin Reaves.
That should only make it harder to upgrade the roster.
“Generally speaking, you’re not getting people’s best yet when you’re this close to the trade deadline,” Wojnarowski stated. “I believe the Lakers will participate in this. He has a very, very good possibility of transferring before the deadline, in my opinion.
Being a client of Klutch Sports Group, Murray should have an easy transition because fellow clients LeBron James and Anthony Davis are already in the lineup.
However, Davis would benefit greatly from his ability to play the passing lanes and provide defensive support.
