Ranking the 3 best trade packages Hawks can get for Dejounte Murray
By Lior Lampert
2. Los Angeles Lakers appease LeBron James by trading for Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray to the Lake Show
As LeBron James continues to put pressure on the Los Angeles Lakers to upgrade their roster ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, acquiring Dejounte Murray remains the “top priority.”
Murray’s agent is Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, a long-time friend of James who also represents him. With that said, it has been easy to draw a connection between the Lakers and Hawks as viable trade partners ahead of the deadline.
With James still playing at an All-NBA level in his age-39 season, there is a sense of urgency in Los Angeles for the Lakers to make a big move and shake up their roster with hopes of maximizing their current championship window while LBJ continues to show no signs of slowing down.
Here, the Lakers bring in a fellow Klutch client and talented guard to pair with King James and All-Star Anthony Davis.
Murray gives Los Angeles another playmaker and shot-creator to alleviate some of the on-ball usage from James as he looks to manage his workload throughout the season in preparation for what he and the Lakers anticipate will be a lengthy playoff run after reaching the Western Conference Finals last season.
The Hawks get two young and talented players to add to their supporting cast alongside Trae Young and Jalen Johson (who have been made unavailable in trade talks). Rui Hachimura gives Atlanta a versatile wing who can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor while seeing what they have in rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino, who the Lakers selected with the No. 17 pick this year.
Hood-Schifino and the 2029 first-round pick included in this deal could be as close to two first-round picks that the Hawks will get for Murray.