This NBA season has been a rollercoaster for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks, with both teams grappling with underwhelming performances. In the midst of this, the buzz around a potential trade involving Hawks guard Dejounte Murray has been escalating. For the Lakers, acquiring Murray could be a significant boost to their roster, offering them a star player to revitalize their campaign. The Hawks, in turn, could gain promising young talents and potentially valuable first-round picks.
Brian Windhorst Sheds Light on Dejounte Murray’s Complex Contract
However, a twist in the tale comes from NBA Insider Brian Windhorst, who has unearthed details about Murray’s contract that could throw a wrench into the trade negotiations. Windhorst disclosed on Hoops Collective that Murray’s contract includes a substantial trade kicker – a clause that could be the largest trade bonus in NBA history, amounting to approximately $13 million.
The Trade Deal Complication: A Financial Hurdle for the Lakers
The presence of this trade kicker means that if Murray were to be traded to the Lakers, the Hawks would have to shell out a $13 million bonus. Windhorst notes that this bonus would then be spread across the contract’s duration on the acquiring team’s books, translating to under $3 million per year. This financial implication presents a substantial challenge for any team, including the Lakers, eyeing Murray’s skills. However, it’s important to note that trade kickers are negotiable, and Murray could potentially waive this bonus to facilitate a move.
Lakers' Dilemma: No Top Free Agents Without Anthony Davis? https://t.co/Op9mJrRFhV pic.twitter.com/nKuhWYSPOM
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Analyzing the Los Angeles Lakers’ Urgent Need for Reinforcement
The Lakers are facing a ticking clock, with their current roster composition falling short of championship caliber. The team’s glaring issues with three-point shooting and lack of players capable of creating their own shots have been detrimental this season. Dejounte Murray, known for his scoring and playmaking abilities, however, doesn’t shine as a three-point shooter, with a 34.5% success rate from beyond the arc this season. Moreover, a trade for Murray could mean parting ways with fan-favorite Austin Reaves, adding to the complexity of the decision.
