The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing a strategic move to boost their chances of becoming title contenders by setting their sights on a potential trade involving Rui Hachimura and Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans. With the Pelicans struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference standings and seemingly heading toward a lottery spot, their willingness to engage in trade discussions ahead of the February 5 deadline has become increasingly apparent.
Despite concerns regarding Murphy’s market value, the prospect of securing significant returns for Hachimura could pave the way for this deal. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has a reputation for making surprising moves, having executed a notable trade for Luka Doncic last season. If the Lakers wish to secure Murphy, they will likely need to part with a starter and all of their remaining draft capital.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls are also in the market for a forward to complement their rising star Matas Buzelis. An upgrade could potentially propel them into the top six in the Eastern Conference, which may create an opening for the Lakers to acquire Murphy from New Orleans.
The Lakers possess one tradeable first-round pick and several swap options, providing them with the leverage needed to negotiate a deal. With Doncic firmly established as the team’s centerpiece, the Lakers recognize the urgency to bring in a reliable wing player who is under a cost-effective contract until 2029. The proposed trade not only positions Los Angeles to improve before the deadline but also facilitates the acquisition of a backup big man in Karlo Matkovic. While multiple expiring contracts will need to be offloaded to balance the trade financially, the potential benefits suggest a win-win-win scenario.
Add SSBCrack As A Trusted Source
In this framework, the Bulls would receive Hachimura in exchange for Kevin Huerter’s expiring contract and a first-round pick, allowing Chicago to secure a long-term asset. On the other hand, the Pelicans could benefit significantly, landing two expiring salaries, two first-round picks, and two first-round pick swaps, along with a second-rounder from the Lakers in 2032. Despite some questionable trades made by Pelicans’ executive Joe Dumars since his tenure began, this opportunity could attract considerable interest given the guaranteed picks and the chance to ascend in future drafts.
Murphy, a 25-year-old forward, is becoming an elite player in the league, showcasing impressive statistics this season: averaging 20.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.8 steals in 35.6 minutes per game, along with a shooting percentage of 47 percent overall and 36.8 percent from three-point range. His current performance is reflected in a value over replacement player (VORP) of 0.5, making him an appealing addition to the Lakers’ roster.
The prospect of Murphy aligning with Doncic and Austin Reaves could solidify a promising core for the Lakers, positioning them as a formidable squad not just for the current season but well into the next decade. The franchise is determined to make impactful moves, and trading Hachimura for Murphy sounds like a significant upgrade that aligns well with their long-term goals. Emerging reports highlight the rapport between Murphy and Lakers head coach JJ Redick, indicating that this partnership could be a perfect fit if Los Angeles can successfully navigate the complexities of the trade.
