3 Most Likely Lakers Trade Targets at the 2024 Deadline
3. Dejounte Murray
The rumors surrounding Atlanta's guard Dejounte Murray have been circulating for weeks. The Lakers are linked to Murray due to his ability to upgrade the backcourt. The Washington product can play strong defense on the perimeter and knows how to make things hard for opposing ball handlers.
On the offensive end, the 27-year-old has outstanding athleticism to explode to the paint and finish with force at the rim. He's a streaky shooter on the outside but also has a clutch gene. Murray has knocked down two game-winners thus far into the 2023-24 campaign.
Guard D'Angelo Russell has been up-and-down for the Lakers this season. Russell's defense is always lackluster but he can score the basketball. Unfortunately, that may not be enough to keep him around. The Ohio State product also has an $18.7 million player option for next year and his market doesn't seem robust.
According to Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, Murray is a top target for Los Angeles.
"Dejounte Murray is going to continue to emerge as the top target for the Lakers, from what I'm told...Another scenario to keep an eye on, players that the Lakers do have interest in I'm told, is three guys from the Nets: Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, Royce O'Neale."… pic.twitter.com/fSlRUxzzpq
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 31, 2024
Making the move for Murray could result in a positive ripple effect on the team. The 2016 first-round pick has the talent to carry the offense for different stretches and be a hard-nosed defender.
A deal between these two teams would be centered around Russell, a 2029 first-round pick, and a pick swap for Murray but Atlanta wants a third team to take on Russell. It's a wait-and-see game to see if these organizations can get another franchise to take on Russell's services.
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