Lakers Open to Including Austin Reaves in Potential Dejounte Murray Trade, Seeking Fair Value

While the Lakers have repeatedly emphasized their reluctance to trade Austin Reaves, recent reports suggest they are open to including him in a potential trade for Dejounte Murray, with one crucial condition – they seek more value in return.

In a recent article by Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, it was disclosed that the Lakers, along with the Knicks, Sixers, Heat, and Pistons, are among the teams expressing interest in acquiring Dejounte Murray. Fischer indicated that the Lakers could entertain the idea of including Reaves in the deal, but it appears the terms may not align with what the Hawks are willing to offer.

Negotiations for a Murray-to-Los Angeles deal seem feasible if the Lakers agree to include Reaves, sources suggest. However, the Hawks appear to require more than just Reaves and Rui Hachimura in return for Murray. This creates a notable disparity in valuation, with the Lakers seeking additional value if Reaves is part of the trade package.

As the trade deadline looms about a month away, there remains time for both the Lakers and Hawks to bridge the gap in their respective valuations. Yet, the current starting point for negotiations does not instill confidence that a deal is imminent.

In the event the two teams delve into discussions about what constitutes “more value” for the Lakers, potential candidates for inclusion might be subject to debate. One plausible option could be Clint Capela, given the Lakers’ need for a center and the Hawks possessing two centers in Capela and Onyeka Okongwu. However, Okongwu’s recent four-year deal may make Capela a more attainable trade asset.

Nevertheless, navigating this trade negotiation proves challenging, as adding players like Bogdan Bogdanovic may complicate matters further, considering his recent long-term contract. The inclusion of Capela or Bogdanovic would also increase the financial aspects of the trade, adding an additional layer of complexity.

In essence, this trade negotiation faces considerable hurdles, and the likelihood of a deal materializing remains uncertain. The Lakers may encounter competition from other teams capable of offering more favorable terms or entering negotiations with more aligned valuations.