Lakers and Knicks Reportedly Interested in Trading for Hawks’ Dejounte Murray

Dejounte Murray attending a college basketball game
Dejounte Murray attending a college basketball game in 2019. Photo by Sean Brown/CSM/Shutterstock (10150120ay)

The Atlanta Hawks are in the midst of another disappointing season and are expected to be sellers at the NBA trade deadline. The player they are reportedly open to moving is All-Star point guard Dejounte Murray, who is already attracting interest from the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania recently discussed the Lakers’ trade targets and mentioned Murray as a player of interest. According to Charania, Murray represents an alternative for the LA team if their pursuit of Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine doesn’t come to fruition.

The one issue for the Lakers is that they lack draft assets to present the Hawks with a credible offer that doesn’t include standout shooting guard Austin Reaves.

On the other hand, Ian Begley of SNY reports that Murray is a target for the Knicks. The New York team already tried to get Murray before the San Antonio Spurs sent him to Atlanta during the 2022 offseason. They still have interest in the 27-year-old player, viewing him as an ideal fit alongside their guard Jalen Brunson.

If the Knicks decide to make a run for Murray, they will have no trouble matching the Hawks’ asking price. The Knicks have a surplus of draft picks they gained in previous trades while also being able to sweeten the offer with several young players.

Murray is averaging 20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game this season. The Hawks currently find themselves at No. 11 in the Eastern Conference with a 12-17 record.

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