HAWKS LATEST NEWS: Hawks Head Coach Quin Snyder is making efforts to retain Dejounte Murray.

The Los Angeles Lakers, who have been continuously mentioned as potential suitors for Murray, reportedly started to lose interest in him on Sunday, according to Stein. Stein mentioned that D’Angelo Russell’s most recent play had a big influence on the shift in sentiment.

According to Stein, “one person knowledgeable on the discussions described Murray’s chances of signing with the Lakers before this Sunday’s deadline as “unrealistic.” One of the reasons for that is D’Angelo Russell’s excellent performance this month. With Russell playing so well, it seems like that pursuit has been scaled back a little.”

Murray will start a $114 million, four-year contract extension at the end of the current campaign. The Hawks are under no pressure to deal the seasoned guard because he has several years left on his contract. NBA players are human, though. They see and hear about the trade rumors.

Murray will know that prior to the trade deadline of February 8th, the Hawks were willing to let go of him. How it impacts his relationship with the club and, more importantly, the front office will be interesting to watch.

Murray has been putting up nice numbers for the Hawks this season. He is averaging 21.4 points, five rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting 38.8% from three-point range and 46.9% from the field.

In addition, he is among the Eastern Conference’s best perimeter defenders. It follows that Snyder’s desire to keep him on staff makes sense.

Another concern is whether Murray will still be with the team when his new contract starts. Ultimately, the Hawks may still reevaluate their choices in the summer even if they decide not to deal him in the middle of the season.