Knicks, Lakers, and Hawks Engage in Potential Three-Team Trade Deal
ICARO Media Group
In the latest NBA trade rumors, the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Atlanta Hawks are reportedly discussing a potential three-team trade deal that could shake up the rosters of all three teams involved. The trade talks have gained attention due to the involvement of players like Dejounte Murray, D'Angelo Russell, Quentin Grimes, and Evan Fournier, as well as the possibility of future draft picks changing hands.
According to reports from Marc Stein, the Lakers have shown the most interest in acquiring Atlanta's Dejounte Murray. The Lakers are said to be willing to trade D'Angelo Russell, along with a future first-round pick in 2029, to make the deal happen. Shams Charania added that the Lakers might also consider including a pick swap in the trade.
However, there is a catch. As reported by Michael Scotto, any trade involving Murray and Russell would likely require a third team to be involved. This raises the question of whether the Hawks would be willing to trade Russell to a third team, as his player option for next season and his playing style alongside Trae Young might not fit their plans.
The potential three-team trade scenario revolves around the Knicks, Lakers, and Hawks. The trade would involve the Knicks sending Evan Fournier to Atlanta, the Lakers trading Russell to the Hawks, and the Knicks acquiring Murray from Atlanta. This trade framework would allow the Lakers to fulfill their desire to acquire Murray and the Knicks to add a talented playmaker to their roster.
While this scenario seems enticing for the Knicks and Lakers, the Hawks may not be inclined to accept the trade due to it being primarily a salary dump deal. By receiving Fournier's expiring contract, the Hawks would create a significant gap in their salary cap for next season. Nonetheless, the Hawks would potentially benefit from receiving the Lakers' 2029 first-round pick and the possibility of a pick swap.
The trade discussions are still in the early stages, and several details need to be worked out. The Hawks are reportedly seeking at least two future first-round picks for Murray. This means that the Lakers' 2029 pick would be included, and the Knicks could potentially add another pick depending on what the Hawks demand.
The Knicks, Lakers, and Hawks are all motivated to explore this potential three-team trade, but the final decision lies with the Hawks. They hold the key to this deal as they possess the most talented player among the three teams involved.
As trade rumors continue to swirl, it remains to be seen how these discussions will unfold and if a deal will materialize before the February 8 deadline. NBA fans will be eager to see if the Knicks, Lakers, and Hawks can come to an agreement that could significantly impact the dynamics of their respective rosters.
In the meantime, fans can only speculate about the outcome of these trade talks, which have provided a unique and intriguing scenario in an otherwise quiet trade season so far.