The Los Angeles Lakers want to jump into title contention, and could pull off the perfect move by trading Rui Hachimura for Trey Murphy III. The Pelicans are last in the Western Conference standings and headed toward the lottery. They should be open for business ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Fans may think Murphy is out of the Lakers’ price range, but getting strong value for Hachimura could change that.
Rob Pelinka is no stranger to pulling a rabbit out of his hat at the deadline. He did shockingly trade for Luka Doncic last season. The Lakers could do it again, but it would cost them a starter and all of their remaining draft capital.
The Bulls are searching for a forward who can play next to Matas Buzelis. Chicago could finish in the top six and make the playoffs in the Easter Conference with an upgrade. That could be just what the Lakers need to steal Murphy from New Orleans.
Lakers’ perfect Rui Hachimura trade involves getting a young wing upgrade
The Lakers have one tradeable first-round pick and multiple swaps. They aren’t afraid to go all-in with Luka Doncic locked in as their alpha. Now is the time to get him a potential wing co-star, who is locked into a cheap contract until 2029. They know they need to upgrade before Feb. 5.
This deal also allows the Lakers to get a backup big man in Karlo Matkovic. They will have to dump multiple expiring salaries to make the math work, but this could be a win-win-win trade.
The Bulls get a frontcourt upgrade in Rui Hachimura for Kevin Huerter’s expiring contract and a first-round draft pick. Chicago would likely look to sign Hachimura to a long-term deal to make this worth the price.
The Pelicans get two expiring salaries, two first-rounders, two first-round pick swaps, and the Lakers 2032 second-rounder. Joe Dumars has made some questionable trades since taking over the Pelicans, but he reportedly has a high asking price for Trey Murphy. Dumars gets it here with two guaranteed picks and the potential to move up in two other first rounds.
Murphy is quietly becoming an elite wing. He averages 20.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.8 steals in 35.6 minutes per game this season. The 6’8 wing is shooting 47 percent from the field and 36.8 percent on his threes in the first 16 games. He has already produced a 0.5 value over replacement player (VORP).
The 25-year-old is the perfect fit for the Lakers’ timeline. He could join Luka and Austin Reaves as the franchise’s core pieces for the next decade. This would give Los Angeles the horses to compete for a championship this season and make them a title threat into the 2030s.
The Los Angeles Lakers should only trade Rui Hachimura if they are getting a significant upgrade. Trey Murphy III certainly offers that. He keeps improving and already has a strong relationship with Lakers head coach JJ Redick. This could be the perfect match if LA can make it happen.
