Lakers mulling three-way trade: or send Russell away in exchange for Murray Interested Lowry is unlikely to pursue LaVine
On January 27, Beijing time, there are 13 days left before the trade deadline, and it is reported that the Lakers still regard Murray as the number one target, and it is expected that they will restart negotiations with the Hawks before the trade deadline, and may send Russell away in exchange for Murray through a three-way trade;
Lakers reporter Jovan Buha reports that the Lakers have tried to trade Russell for Dejounte Murray and that talks have stalled after the two sides came close to a potential deal about two weeks ago, but they are expected to restart talks before the trade deadline. Dejounte Murray remains the Lakers' No. 1 pick on the trade market.
Buha also said that if the Lakers had to trade a guard, it would make more sense to send Russell away, even if he outperformed Reaves at the beginning of the season and in recent times. There's a reason every team wants Reaves first in trade talks: he's worth more league-wide. That perception extends to the Lakers, who value Reaves more than Russell. Team sources have revealed that Russell's recent red-hot form hasn't changed that reality.
The Lakers have made their most aggressive offer to date for Hawks player Dejounte Murray, including a 2029 first-round pick and a draft pick swap, according to Jake Fischer of The Athletic. But the Hawks are looking for a better player return than Russell and seem reluctant to take on a big contract, with the possibility of another big three-way deal before the trade deadline, including Russell.
Russell has an $18.69 million player option next season, which will affect any team's determination to get Russell.
According to previous reports, the Nets, Hornets, Wizards, Pistons, and Spurs are all interested in joining a potential Murray trade as a third party to receive Russell's contract, but the Lakers don't have extra first-round picks to third-party teams as compensation, and they also need to find a way to get a first-round pick from another team to facilitate the deal, and Christie could be sent away.
Brogdon, Dinwiddie and Tyus Jones are also potential targets for the Lakers, but the Lakers currently believe that trading Russell for Brogdon, Tyus Jones or Dinwiddie would be a tie trade at best, and likely a relegation.
In addition to the Lakers, the Knicks, Rockets and 76ers are also interested in Brogdon, and the Trail Blazers have at least one first-round pick asking for Brogdon.
According to reports, if Lowry is bought out by the Hornets, he will be a name to watch for the Lakers, who are interested in using Lowry as the team's backup point guard. The Hornets are continuing to explore a trade for Lowry, and if the trade fails, the two of them could reach a buyout, and he won't report to the Hornets until Lowry's future is resolved.
Championship contenders like the Lakers and 76ers have long been seen as potential suitors for LaVine, but these two teams (including several other championship contenders) are unlikely to pursue LaVine because LaVine's contract as the Big Third is too expensive for a team that already has two top-paid players.
LaVine signed a five-year, $215.2 million contract extension with the Bulls in 2022 and currently has four years (including this season) remaining for about $178 million, with a player option for the 2026-27 season.