A blockbuster three-team deal was reportedly discussed between the Lakers, Hawks and Nets during the season

It was no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers attempted to trade for Hawks guard Dejounte Murray before last year’s trade deadline, but nothing happened, the Lakers and the Hawks having decided to stand by their teams. But at one point it looked like a deal between the two teams was possible. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, who covers the Lakers, wrote in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline:“The buzz on Murray is only growing — and to noisy levels. The Lakers and Hawks have discussed potential frameworks for a deal, including a release late last week centered on Russell, Hood-Schifino , the 2029 first-round pick and additional draft compensation, according to multiple team and league sources, talks have since stalled, but are expected to resume as the deadline approaches. You can read the entire article here.

It was reported that the Hawks did not want Russell back in a deal, but according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, a three-team deal was discussed between the Lakers, Nets and Hawks:

“Multiple sources say that before trading for Dennis Schröder, the Brooklyn Nets were in talks with the Lakers for Russell (LA getting Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks). This trade is dead between the Lakers and Hawks, but the Nets still need a top-notch guard. »

Pincus didn’t say what the Hawks were getting back in the deal, but I think it likely would have seen the Hawks getting Rui Hachimura, Hood-Schifino and recouping compensation from the Lakers.

The upcoming NBA Draft isn’t the biggest question for the Hawks this offseason, however. That would be what they decide to do with the backcourt of Trae Young and Murray. There’s some question as to whether the Hawks will break up the duo, as the Hawks haven’t seen the results they envisioned since trading a stack of draft picks for Murray two summers ago.

Who will the Hawks trade? There’s still a way to go before we answer that question, but which teams might be best for Murray if he’s the one who gets traded? Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report listed three teams that would be best for Murray if he were to be traded and they included some intriguing, but not new, names:

“The last time Dejounte Murray was the primary point guard and primary ball handler for a full season, he was named to the All-Star team averaging 21.1 points, 9.2 assists, 8 .3 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game. He is the only player in NBA history to have posted these averages over a full season.

The Atlanta Hawks traded for Murray in 2022 and moved him to a more off-ball role alongside Trae Young, but it was a failure for everyone involved. The Hawks went 36-46 this season, down seven wins from the year before sending three first-round picks to the San Antonio Spurs for Murray.

Teams in need of a high-level playmaker should be relentless in calling Atlanta this summer. Murray, 27, is entering a four-year, team-friendly extension worth $114 million and is still an elite defender who would thrive if he returned to an on-ball role.

The Hawks should be willing to trade Murray to add better-fitting pieces around Young. A return to the Spurs would make a lot of sense for Murray, and teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic could look to improve their backcourt this summer.

Best Landing Sites: San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic

I wrote that the Magic would be a natural trade partner with the Hawks because of the defensive players Atlanta could then fit around Trae Young. Orlando needs a point guard who is also a solid defender and a trade between the two teams makes a lot of sense.

The Spurs traded Murray to the Hawks two summers ago, but they still need a true point guard to pair with Victor Wembanyama, who is coming off one of the best rookie seasons of all time. San Antonio might be ready to win sooner than people think and a move to get Murray back would totally make sense. Atlanta could get some of their draft capital back and Murray could go to a place he’s familiar with. He still has admiration for Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.

Another team that hasn’t been mentioned, but probably should be, is the New Orleans Pelicans. Like Orlando, New Orleans needs a point guard and they have the kind of players the Hawks need in return. A deal would make sense for both sides and could even involve Brandon Ingram.

There’s still a way to go before players start being dealt this summer, but the Hawks will be the focus of almost every conversation during what could be a crazy summer.