4 Dream trade deadline targets for the Lakers (and what they'd cost)

2. Dejounte Murray

It has been a little over a year and a half since the Atlanta Hawks orchestrated the trade that brought them Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs in the 2022 offseason. After giving up three first-round picks and a first-round pick swap and considering Murray's overall production since then, it is a deal they likely wish they could have back right about now.

While Dejounte has been far from bad since the Hawks acquired him, it is clear that they are open to the idea of moving on from him given he has not meshed with Trae Young as well as some might have thought. Unfortunately for Atlanta, they are unlikely to receive the same kind of package back that they gave away to acquire him in the first place.

Murray would be an excellent replacement for D'Angelo Russell in the backcourt. Dejounte would bring better shot selection, better defense, and an overall more focused approach than that of Russell. On some nights, he could be the third star that LeBron James and Anthony Davis need.

The asking price for Dejounte is reportedly two first-round picks. That is a lot for the Lakers to consider giving up given their limited draft capital, but they could deem the risk worth it if they think Murray gets them back to the status of a true contender.