League personnel expect Los Angeles, of course, to re-engage Atlanta over Murray,” Yahoo! Sports’ Jake Fischer reported on Friday after the NBA trade deadline. “The Lakers certainly won’t limit their thinking to Murray. There are several front offices that listened to Atlanta’s pre-deadline chatter and came away from conversations with the Hawks of the belief Trae Young could become available for trade this summer.”
A Lakers-Hawks trade for Dejounte Murray or Trae Young is still a long way away, though, and a lot can happen between now and July.
For example, Fischer notes that the Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid or Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo could become available, which could change the Lakers’ focus. Also, LA isn’t the only organization interested in the Hawks’ sharpshooting superstar.
One spot other than Los Angeles that’s repeatedly been mentioned by NBA figures as a potential home for Young — if Atlanta were to ever consider parting with its franchise face and All-Star lead ball-handler — is San Antonio. The Spurs do lack a clear-cut pick-and-roll partner for rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama.”
So, in addition to other stars becoming available, the Lakers will have competition for a Trae Young trade and competition with a lot more assets to deal than LA.
