The Lakers will restart Murray trade talks!
On February 8, Beijing time, less than 24 hours before the trade deadline, what is new for the Lakers? Haynes said that the Lakers and Hawks will restart trade talks about Murray, but Woj said that the likelihood of Russell staying with the team is increasing. CBS Sports reporter Reiter reported that another reason why the Lakers may not make any moves before the deadline is because the Lakers believe there is a chance to get Mitchell this summer.
The Lakers will restart Murray trade talks
Haynes of The Athletic reported that the Lakers are still interested in Dejounte Murray and that the two sides will soon resume trade talks. However, the Lakers are not the only team competing for Murray, and it was previously reported that the Jazz have also made an offer. In addition, the Pelicans and Knicks are also in the competition.
So far this season, Murray has averaged 21.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game, and his recent move to empty IG social media has caused heated discussions, and many people believe that he is likely to be traded. The Lakers offered Russell, Schifino and a first-round pick to Murray, but the Hawks insisted on two first-rounders and had no intention of getting Russell. Talks between the two sides have reached an impasse, and the two teams will resume trade talks as the deadline approaches.
Russell is more likely to be left behind
In the latest episode, Woj said that the Lakers are less likely to trade Russell before the deadline (Feb. 9) due to Russell's recent strong performance. In the past three weeks, Russell has been on a hot streak, averaging 24 points, 2.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks per game, while shooting 46.6% from three-point range.
"Russell is playing his best basketball and maybe three weeks ago he was probably traded, but that's not the case now, look at Murray, look at Bruce Brown, especially Brown, without Russell on board, the salary might be hard to match, but it doesn't make much sense," Woj said on the show. The Lakers now look leaning towards staying put, keeping Russell and waiting for Vanderbilt to return from injury. ”
Ham said that Russell is in adjustment today, did not participate in practice, and whether he can play in tomorrow's game against the Nuggets is yet to be determined. Amick reports that the Nets could become a third-party team to take Russell in the Murray trade.
In addition to Russell, other players who could leave the Lakers include Hachimura, Vincent, and Hood Schifino, among others. Previously, Lakers reporter Buha reported that the Lakers are more likely to make a small trade or not trade at all.
Internally, they believe they can snatch Mitchell this summer
CBS reporter Reiter reported that a key factor that made the Lakers hesitant before the deadline was the belief within the Lakers that they had a chance to acquire Mitchell this summer. The Knicks could also be Mitchell's next home.
Mitchell has two years left on his contract, with a salary of $35.41 million for the 2024-25 season and $37.09 million for the 2025-26 season (player option). So far this season, Mitchell has played in 39 games, averaging 35.5 minutes per game, scoring 28.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.9 steals.
The Lakers currently have only one first-round pick available to trade, but by the time the draft comes, they will be able to trade three first-rounders. It was previously reported that the Lakers could set their sights on All-Star players like Mitchell and Trae Young in the offseason.
In addition, James updated social media to celebrate the first anniversary of becoming the all-time scoring leader. The Lakers are unlikely to trade James. Sam Amick reports that a senior Lakers source scoffed at the idea that the Lakers would consider trading James.