Three-way blockbuster trade almost took place at deadline

That negotiation died between the Lakers and Hawks.

“Multiple sources say that before trading for Dennis Schröder, the Brooklyn Nets were in talks with the Lakers for Russell (with L.A. getting Murray from the Hawks),” Pincus wrote. “That negotiation died between the Lakers and Hawks, but the Nets still need a starting-caliber guard.”

The Lakers didn’t make any trades at the NBA trade deadline. They went 47-35 in the regular season and lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs in five games. 

Russell appeared in 76 games for the Lakers this season. He averaged 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 45.6% from the field, 41.5% from beyond the arc and 82.8% from the free-throw line. 

Murray, who has the same agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group) as LeBron James and Anthony Davis, averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists for the Hawks in 78 games while shooting 45.9% from the floor, 36.3% from 3 and 79.4% from the foul line. 

Russell can become an unrestricted free agent this summer by declining his 2024-25 player option. Pincus reports that the one-time All-Star is expected to decline his player option “to seek a more significant, multi-year deal.”

NBA sources told Hoops Wire that the Lakers will try to acquire Murray again this offseason. LAL will also talk to Atlanta about Trae Young. 

Russell has career averages of 17.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists with the Lakers, Nets, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite his struggles in the playoffs, Russell is a good fit next to LeBron and Davis because he’s a good 3-point shooter. 

Murray has career averages of 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists with the San Antonio Spurs and Hawks. He’s a better defender than Russell and has a close relationship with LeBron.