The New Orleans Pelicans have made a significant move following the NBA Draft by acquiring All-Star guard Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks, as reported by ESPN. This trade is expected to bolster the Pelicans' backcourt and enhance their shot creation capabilities.
In exchange for Murray, the Pelicans sent two first-round picks, Larry Nance Jr., and Dyson Daniels to Atlanta. Murray, who is coming off a stellar season, averaged a career-best 22.5 points per game while playing a crucial role for the Hawks in the absence of Trae Young due to injury.
Notably, Murray's three-point shooting improved last season, with the 27-year-old making a career-high 201 three-pointers during the 2023-24 campaign. Despite signing a lucrative four-year, $114 million extension with the Hawks last year, Atlanta will not be responsible for his salary as the deal has not yet taken effect. Murray is set to earn an estimated $25.3 million for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Atlanta had high hopes for Murray when they acquired him in 2022, envisioning a formidable backcourt duo with Trae Young. However, the partnership did not yield the desired results, prompting the trade to New Orleans where Murray will join forces with Brandon Ingram.
New Orleans is banking on Murray's clutch performances to help turn around their late-game struggles. In the previous season, the Pelicans failed to secure a victory in games where they trailed entering the fourth quarter. Murray's ability to make crucial baskets in the final moments of games, including three go-ahead shots in the last five seconds of regulation or overtime, could prove invaluable for the Pelicans.
