The perfect Lakers trade offer for Dejounte Murray
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a new era with JJ Redick as their head coach. A big move could be made as the Lakers look to build around Redick’s system and their two stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
With the first round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday, a big trade could go down in the next few days.
Dejounte Murray has been a target for the Purple and Gold since the trade deadline. After being unable to acquire Murray in February, they circled back to him.
The Atlanta Hawks, who hold the first overall pick, will likely move one or both of their star guards (Murray/Trae Young).
Under the new CBA, negotiating a deal is more difficult. Los Angeles should make a deal happen for Murray before July 1st when Murray’s new deal kicks in.
As of now, they would have to match Murray’s $18 million. After July 1st, his four-year $114 million kicks in with $25 million in the first season.
With that in mind, let’s examine two trade packages the Lakers could make for Murray.
REPORT: The Lakers have made their No. 17 pick available for trade
Dejounte Murray and Jerami Grant are among players who the Lakers could target, via @YahooSports pic.twitter.com/Prq7kDF8Re
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 24, 2024
Dejounte Murray Lakers trade proposals
Option 1:
Hawks receive: Dennis Schroder, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2025 second-round pick (from BKN, via MIA), a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2030 first-round pick swap
Nets receive: D’Angelo Russell (assuming opt-in to player option)
Lakers receive: Dejounte Murray
In this three-team deal, D’Angelo Russell would be sent to the Brooklyn Nets after an opt-in to his player option. Atlanta would receive three players: Dennis Schroder, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a second-round pick, a first-round pick, and a first-round pick swap.
Brooklyn would upgrade at point guard, which would fit the direction of their front office. While forward Mikal Bridges has garnered trade interest, the Nets have hesitated to move him.
Brooklyn doesn’t own its first-round pick outright until 2028, which puts them in a difficult spot. This deal could help improve their roster.
For Atlanta, they would acquire Dennis Schroder, a veteran point guard who could come off the bench or be flipped to a contending team.
They would also receive a young defensive forward with Vanderbilt and a flier on 2023 first-round pick Hood-Schifino. While those are key pieces, the draft capital would most intrigue the Hawks. By 2029 and 2030, the Lakers won’t have James and possibly no Davis, making these picks valuable.
The Purple and Gold would receive a major upgrade at point guard. Murray, the one-time All-Star, averaged 23/5/6 on 46/36/79 shooting splits with 1.4 steals in 78 games this season.
The Lakers would also save money in this deal, but it’s unclear if it would get them under the first apron.
If Russell opts in, including Brooklyn as a third team could make a ton of sense, as he wouldn’t fit in Atlanta.
The Lakers remain uninterested in trading Austin Reaves for Dejounte Murray, per @sam_amick
“Murray, meanwhile, was a player that the Lakers could have had at the February trade deadline if they’d been willing to put Reaves into the deal. He’s a possibility now, as well, but… pic.twitter.com/2Vctlb1nd0
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 25, 2024
Option 2:
Hawks receive: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2030 first-round pick swap
Lakers receive: Dejounte Murray
If Russell opts out of his contract, the Lakers could take a different approach to acquiring Murray. This deal would be straight up with the Hawks, again sending away Hood-Schifino, a first-round pick, and a first-round pick swap. The difference would be sending out Rui Hachimura rather than Vanderbilt.
Hachimura is coming off a career year, as he averaged 14/4/1. He shot very efficiently with 54/42/74 shooting splits. Hachimura could be a part of their young core as they retool with the first overall pick.
The Lakers get Murray to pair with Austin Reaves in the backcourt. Murray’s point-of-attack defense and all-around offensive game would fit well next to Reaves, James, and Davis.
In his introductory press conference, Redick stated, “A big thing for us you need two-way players. You need guys who can guard. That’s going to be an emphasis.”
Murray fits that mold and could be the “third star” without breaking the bank.
They would still have depth on their roster and the flexibility to make more moves.
The Lakers have the potential to make a ton of moves this offseason. Murray would be an excellent addition, and the front office should consider these two offers.
