Appalling! Internal contradictions and a crushing defeat, Murray easily defeated Russell!
As the Hawks fans screamed, Russell could get even more frustrated. After more than a month of good performance, Russell sat in the starting line with a score of 23+6. Against the Jazz, Bryant scored 39 points and scored a crucial triple-double against the Warriors. But against the Hawks, Russell was out of sorts, hitting just three of his 11 shots and scoring just nine points. And Murray, although he scored 24 points, in the fourth quarter, he only scored 5 points. Of course, the Hawks won't trade Murray either. Of course, the Rockets didn't have Murray just because they had some kind of connection to Russell. The main thing is because of his performance. Originally, 20+5 Morey was like a goddess in the eagle's mind, but after playing a game, he realized that there was still a distance between himself and him.
Moreover, the Hawks also believe that this contract is too big, and the most important thing is that Murray's contract is a long-term contract, and after it is signed, it will be 2028. In addition, the Hawks' current roster is all about young players, and neither of them is up to the task. Therefore, the Eagles will definitely consider replacing him with Morey and replacing him with someone who is a better fit for him. No one wants to be the first to get Murray under control. Because in the East, the best players, or those who are in the midst of regrouping, don't have any defensive players at all. Similarly, there is no shortage of point guards in the East, and right now, only the Lakers have thrown an olive branch to the Hawks. With Russell's poor performance with the Lakers and James getting older, the Lakers have been thinking about whether to sign another player who can play at the heart of the midfield.
All the Hawks want most is Rivers and a draft spot. Rivers is still a good person, and he has very few contracts, which is also a good deal. However, the Lakers clearly don't have that in mind, and they want Russell. So repeatedly, Russell suddenly broke out at a critical juncture. Russell hit eight three-pointers in this game, while Murray's play was mediocre. Of course, the Lakers' management team isn't blind. In this game, the Lakers' top brass will definitely cheer, they originally wanted to get Murray, but with Russell joining, they have more leverage. And Russell is better than Murray in terms of physical strength and potential, which is why he is slightly better than Murray.
Therefore, this "battle of investigation" may be what some people want. Both teams want to break beyond trades, but more importantly their overall performance this season. Such an interview may give their managers a good impression of them. Perhaps, the managers of the Lakers and the managers of the Hawks have long been discussed. Moreover, February 9 is also approaching. This is the day of all the whistle transfers. As long as the negotiations are over, both the Lakers and the Rockets will have some understanding of this matter.
If the Hawks have a better trade opportunity, they could also knock the Lakers out of the playoffs. So, regardless of whether Russell's deal with Morey can be reached or not, we just have to wait for the outcome.