The Athletic's Dejounte Murray has been targeted by the Lakers, according to Shams. So how should the Lakers exchange for this excellent guard? On December 28, Beijing time, American media clutchpoints posted a 5-for-1 trade plan, believing that this plan can avoid sending Reaves on the premise of still having a chance to impress the Hawks.
The Hawks did have the idea of sending Murray away, because since the Hawks traded for Murray, his combination with Trae Young has not improved. The stats show that this season when Murray and Trae Young are on the same game, the Hawks lose by 0.8 points per 100 possessions, and last season when the two were on the same game, the Hawks only won by 1.6 points per 100 possessions.
The proposed scenario for the Clutchpoints is for the Lakers to send Russell, Christie, a 2029 first-round pick (top-five protection), a 2028 first-round swap, and a 2030 first-round swap to Dejounte Murray from the Hawks.
Why did the Eagles make this deal?
While the Hawks don't need Russell, they could trade him to another team or ask the Lakers to turn Russell into Hachimura. Russell's salary alone is enough to meet the salary threshold for the transaction. Murray will begin a four-year, $114 million contract next season, while Russell has an 18 million player option next season, and the Hawks could save $100 million if they are willing to send Murray.
While the Lakers can only give the Hawks one first-round pick, they can also offer two first-round swaps. Christie has already shown his defensive ability on the perimeter, and he has the potential to be Trae Young's partner. The Eagles will definitely ask for Reeves, but if they can't get Reeves, it's also a good option to settle for Christie. Christie is a promising potential stock and is currently saving a lot of money.
Why did the Lakers make this trade?
The Lakers are also in a slump right now, and while they have won four more games than the Hawks, they have had serious problems with their backcourt defense throughout the season. Murray's arrival will not only solve the defensive problem, but his 37.4% three-point shooting rate will also ease the pressure on the Lakers' outside offense.
The Lakers may also pursue LaVine, but Murray is a better defender and playmaker than LaVine, and Reaves can return to the starting position if Murray is there, because Murray's arrival can avoid two poor defensive guards being on the floor at the same time. If the Lakers were to choose between LaVine and Murray, Murray should be their target, and he would help the Lakers get back into the ranks of championship contenders.