Dejounte Murray Trade Rumors: Hawks in 'Exploratory Phase' of Talks amid Lakers Buzz

The Atlanta Hawks have reportedly begun the process of securing a trade for one of their most coveted players.

According to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, the Hawks "are in the exploratory phase of trading" star guard Dejounte Murray, who has drawn interest from multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers.

Spears noted that the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors reportedly "are intrigued" in acquiring Murray as well. The San Antonio Spurs, who traded Murray to the Hawks before the 2022-23 season, have also been rumored to be interested in bringing him back.

An All-Star selection in 2022, Murray is a talented young guard who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. He's Atlanta's second-leading scorer at 20.8 points per game while also adding 4.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals.

Despite Murray's production, Spears reported that the Hawks "have come to the realization that the pairing of Murray and two-time NBA All-Star Trae Young isn't working." Atlanta is ranked 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 16-23 record, so the team could look to break up its core before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

For his part, Murray said he's not giving any focus to the trade rumors, as he's committed to helping the Hawks be successful for as long as he's on the roster.

"I tell several people who I stand for as a person. That is who Dejounte is. As a man or person, however you want to put it, it's not appropriate for me to talk about that or let that get in the way for my teammates," Murray told Spears. "I love my teammates. My teammates love me. I'm not a GM, owner, an agent, none of those things. I'm a basketball player. I'm a hooper. So, I continue to learn, lead and work hard."

Murray and the Hawks will be back in action on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic (22-18).