The New Orleans Pelicans have made a significant move following the 2024 NBA Draft, acquiring All-Star guard Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. The move is expected to bolster New Orleans' backcourt and overall shot creation.
The New Orleans Pelicans have made a splash in the post-NBA Draft landscape, acquiring All-Star guard Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. The move, reported by ESPN, adds a dynamic playmaker to the Pelicans' roster and is expected to significantly improve their shot creation.
In exchange for Murray, the Pelicans sent a pair of first-round draft picks, along with forwards Larry Nance Jr. and Dyson Daniels, to Atlanta. The move signals the Pelicans' intent to contend in the Western Conference and build around their young star, Zion Williamson.
NBA Draft 2024: Pelicans Acquire All-Star Guard Dejounte Murray
Murray, 27, is coming off a strong season with the Hawks, appearing in 78 games and averaging a career-best 22.5 points per game. He also recorded 6.0 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game, demonstrating his all-around abilities.
Murray played a vital role for the Hawks during three-time All-Star Trae Young's extended absence due to injury in the second half of the season. He stepped up as the team's primary playmaker and led them to several crucial victories.
NBA Draft 2024: Pelicans Acquire All-Star Guard Dejounte Murray
One of Murray's strengths is his improved shooting from beyond the arc. He knocked down a career-best 201 3-pointers during the 2023-24 campaign, showcasing his ability to contribute from both inside and outside the paint.
The Hawks acquired Murray in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs in 2022, giving up three first-round draft picks. The franchise hoped that pairing Murray with Young would create a formidable backcourt duo, but the experiment proved unsuccessful.
NBA Draft 2024: Pelicans Acquire All-Star Guard Dejounte Murray
Murray's departure from Atlanta may also signal the team's willingness to listen to trade offers for Young, who has been the subject of trade rumors for several months. The Hawks could potentially rebuild around a young core featuring Murray's former San Antonio teammate, John Collins.
For the Pelicans, the acquisition of Murray provides them with a much-needed upgrade in their backcourt. Lonzo Ball, who has been injured for much of the past two seasons, is expected to miss another significant portion of the upcoming campaign.
With Murray in the fold, the Pelicans now have a reliable playmaker and scorer who can create his own shot and set up his teammates for open looks. His experience and leadership qualities will also be invaluable to a young team looking to take the next step in their development.
Murray is scheduled to earn an estimated $25.3 million for the 2024-25 season, but the Hawks will not have to pay any of that salary since his four-year, $114 million extension with the Hawks has yet to kick in.
New Orleans hopes that Murray can help reverse the team's fortunes when they are trailing late in games. Last season, the Pelicans lost every game when they entered the fourth quarter facing a deficit. Murray's ability to make clutch plays and create his own shot will be a major asset for the Pelicans in close contests.
The Hawks, meanwhile, will need to find a way to replace Murray's production and leadership. Young remains the centerpiece of the franchise, but they will need to add more talent around him if they want to return to contention in the Eastern Conference.
The NBA Draft is scheduled to take place on June 20, 2024, and the Pelicans will now have two first-round picks to add young talent to their roster. With Murray in the fold, the Pelicans are poised to make a run at the playoffs and potentially challenge for the Western Conference title.
