The NBA trade deadline is closing in with just a few hours left on the clock. The Los Angeles Lakers, who haven’t been able to settle on a deal, are left hanging with options running out. In dire need of a solid defensive guard who can run the offense, the Lakers had their eyes set on the Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. The plan was to replace D’Angelo Russell as a starting PG, which many believe is an upgrade.

But time is running out, and they are unable to appease the Hawks with a lucrative deal. The Lakers are willing to part with D’Angelo, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 2029 first-round pick for Dejounte. Unfortunately, the Hawks seem least interested in the offer, especially one that includes D’Angelo.

D’Angelo’s contract is not appealing

The problem persists: Atlanta is unwilling to accept any deal with D’Angelo in the mix. As per the latest developments, the negotiations between the two sides have reached a standstill. According to a report by HoopsHype, the Hawks are instead “prioritizing expiring contracts to avoid the luxury tax next season.” And D’Angelo’s contract with the Lakers is currently far from expiring. He inked a two-year, $36 million deal with the team in 2023.

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This includes a $17.3 million salary this season and a $18.7 million player option for the following season. This contract is not favorable for the Hawks at all which makes Dejounte landing in LA a distant dream. What they can do to avoid the luxury tax for the following season is to hold off moving Dejounte until the offseason. As the deadline inches dangerously close, this option seems more plausible for Atlanta.

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If not D’Angelo, then what do the Hawks want?

As further pointed out by HoopsHype, Atlanta seems to be hell-bent on acquiring at least two first-round picks and is unwilling to push the conversation with just one first-round pick on the table. This goes out to the other teams who have been trying to secure Dejounte, including the Nets. Right now, all they can offer is Spencer Dinwiddie and his expiring contract along with a future first-round pick.

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As for D’Angelo, we had seen a drastic dip in his performance for a major chunk of the season. However, he seems to have picked up pace in recent times, making it difficult for the Lakers to trade him. In his last 13 games, D’Angelo has averaged 24 points with a 46.6 3P% on nine attempts per game. In case he gets traded, he will have no regrets looking back because, at this point, he has done all he can to stay on the team.

Do you think shipping off D’Angelo is a good move on the Lakers’ part? Do you think they ought to trade another player? Share your thoughts!