The framework of a trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks centered on guard Dejounte Murray would involve LA guard D’Angelo Russell, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
That is, if the Hawks could send Russell to a third team, Scotto added.
“Any framework for a Murray trade to the Lakers would likely involve guard D’Angelo Russell, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote. “However, that would be contingent on Russell being flipped to a third team from Atlanta in the process.”
The Lakers are known to be looking for an additional consistent scoring option next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, particularly speed and athleticism on the wing. They appear to be especially interested in Murray, who is being made available by Atlanta and shares agent Rich Paul with James and Davis.
Murray is averaging 21.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.4 steals, shooting 47 percent from the field and 38 percent on 3-pointers. He’s due $17.7 million this season.
Murray signed a four-year, $114 million extension with the Hawks in July and is widely expected to be traded ahead of the Feb. 8 deadline.
Russell is averaging 15.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists. He is shooting 47 percent overall overall and 40 percent on threes. He is making $17.3 million.
At any rate, there is probably a deal to be had for both teams. Both the Lakers and Hawks just need to decide if it’s a move that would push them in the right direction.
