As the Lakers and Hawks explore trade options for Dejounte Murray, there’s talk of a potential Austin Reaves inclusion to sweeten the deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. One NBA executive even suggested a larger trade involving Murray and sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovich.

However, executing such a complex deal poses challenges, particularly due to the Lakers’ salary cap situation and tax concerns. The Hawks are seeking substantial compensation for Murray, considering their previous investment of three first-round picks and a pick swap.

Reaves, a player highly coveted by the Hawks, is the linchpin of the potential Murray trade. The Lakers, reluctant to part with Reaves, view a Murray-Reaves swap as a lateral move, according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe and Dave McMenamin. Reaves has earned the trust of LeBron James and Anthony Davis and has been a reliable playoff performer.

Despite Murray’s connections to the Lakers through Klutch Sports, the pursuit faces obstacles. The Hawks are engaging with multiple teams, including the Toronto Raptors, who are exploring Pascal Siakam trades. Another potential rival is the San Antonio Spurs, Murray’s former team, who possess valuable draft assets and young players that might appeal to the Hawks if they opt for a rebuild.