Per multiple NBA sources, the Hawks are open to moving Murray before the trade deadline, which begs the simple question, "Why?"

Atlanta gave up multiple first-round picks to acquire him in 2022 from the San Antonio Spurs. He's only 27, hitting games-winners and averaging 21.4 points and 5.1 assists a game while shooting a respectable 38.8 percent from three-point range.

In a perfect world, the Hawks (18-27) wouldn't look to trade Murray, but in the reality of the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement, finances matter more than ever. Bringing back nearly the same team next year, including pending restricted free agent Saddiq Bey, would put Atlanta at the projected second apron of $191 million. Is this Hawks' core worth the luxury tax penalty and the limited flexibility of apron territory?

The answer, apparently, is no. Competing executives say that Atlanta is open to moving players like De'Andre Hunter, Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanović and Murray to build around Trae Young and younger, more economical teammates like Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu.

In this deal, the Hawks replace Murray with Dinwiddie, who plays the same position but on an expiring contract. Hood-Schifino gives the Hawks a cost-controlled guard to develop. The future first is well beyond James' current contract and could be very valuable in projecting the Lakers as a potential rebuilding franchise.

Then there's the matter of Murray's trade bonus, which would be at least $13 million (depending on the day he's traded). The Hawks would be responsible for paying it, so the Lakers are sending some cash to Atlanta in the deal.

To make the margins work in such a complex deal, the Hawks send Gueye and Matthews to the Lakers with Hayes to Atlanta.