NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Get a $13 Million Dejounte Murray Warning Before Going All Out for the Hawks Guard

The Atlanta Hawks and the Los Angeles Lakers have been two of the most disappointing teams so far this season. Things haven’t gone according to the script for both franchises. However, a potential trade involving Dejounte Murray could prove to be mutually beneficial for both the Lakers and the Hawks. The Lakers would enhance their roster with the addition of another star player, while the Hawks would acquire valuable young assets and potentially high-value first-round picks from the Lakers.

But, NBA Insider Brian Windhorst has provided a worrying update that could potentially derail a trade. As the rumors get louder, some specifics of Murray’s contract with the Hawks have come out that may affect things.

A trade kicker could derail Dejounte Murray’s move to LA

ESPN journalist Brian Windhorst has revealed that Dejounte Murray’s contract with the Hawks has a trade kicker, which if activated could be the highest trade bonus in the history of the league. The figure he mentioned is approximately $13 million. In a recent episode of Hoops Collective, Windhorst said, “A couple of things about Dejounte Murray. One is that he has a trade kicker in his contract, which Bobby Marks tells me would be, if he was traded, the highest trade kicker in league history.” 

If Murray was to be traded to the Lakers, the Hawks would have to pay the $13 million bonus. However, Windhorst stated that the bonus goes on to the books of the team that would trade for Murray on a per-year basis, which would amount to under $3 million per year. This would be a massive undertaking for any team willing to acquire Murray. However, trade kickers are negotiable and Murray could decide to waive the bonus if he really wants to expedite his trade to another team.

Should the Lakers trade for Murray?

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a dismal season so far. They are in dire need of a roster reshuffle because the current composition of the roster isn’t good enough to win an NBA title. Three-point shooting and a lack of players who can create their own shots have been some of the Lakers’ most glaring weaknesses this season.

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Dejounte Murray, despite his ability to generate his own scoring opportunities and contribute as a secondary playmaker, doesn’t excel as a three-point shooter. This season, Murray has shot 34.5% from beyond the arc. Furthermore, the Lakers could also be forced to trade fan-favorite Austin Reaves in a Murray trade. However, the Lakers are running out of time and options to recover from their sinking season.

What do you think of this potential move? Let us know in the comments!

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