Lakers Rumors: Hawks' Clint Capela, Dejounte Murray Linked for Combo Trade Package

The Los Angeles Lakers could make a major splash this offseason.

Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer reported that the Lakers could be in play to make a trade with the Atlanta Hawks for Dejounte Murray and Clint Capela in a move that could help both teams.

"If Murray is L.A.'s target, then it'd be easier to match salaries in a trade for him before his contract extension kicks in on July 1," O'Connor wrote. "And if the Lakers are looking for a center to allow AD to play power forward more frequently, then perhaps there's a deal to be done for both Murray and Clint Capela, who is being shopped around by the Hawks, according to league sources. Murray would help the backcourt. Capela would help the defense. Would Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Russell plus picks get it done? There are no guarantees that it will work out for Redick as a head coach. But to increase the chances that it will, the pressure is on Pelinka and the Lakers front office to make appropriate changes."

Murray and Capela were in trade rumors throughout the 2023-24 season. While Capela could simply be a one-year rental, Murray would be a commitment through at least the 2026-27 season.

That could certainly be appealing, as Murray averaged 22.5 points, 6.4 assists and 5.3 rebounds in 78 games in 2023-24. He could be a strong presence in the Lakers backcourt for the next several seasons and could ease the transition when LeBron James eventually retires or leaves the franchise.

Capela averaged 11.5 points and 10.6 rebounds in 73 games in 2023-24. Adding Capela would ease the load of Anthony Davis and allow him to play more games at power forward while Capela could contend with the top centers in the Western Conference.