The Atlanta Hawks have agreed to trade NBA All-Star guard Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans in a move that has caught many analysts off guard. According to an ESPN report on Friday, the Hawks will receive Larry Nance Jr., E.J. Liddell, Dyson Daniels, a 2025 first-round draft pick via the Los Angeles Lakers, and the least favorable of a 2027 first-round pick from either the Milwaukee Bucks or their own.
The deal is surprising considering the hefty price the Hawks originally paid to acquire Murray from the San Antonio Spurs in June 2022, which included Danilo Gallinari and multiple future first-round picks. In contrast, the current package from the Pelicans appears modest. Nance Jr., Liddell, and Daniels, while solid players, are not typically valued at first-round levels. Additionally, the involved draft picks may hold limited appeal, as the Lakers, Bucks, and Pelicans are not expected to enter rebuilding phases that would elevate the value of their selections.
Dejounte Murray, known for his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities, was selected to the All-Defensive Second Team in 2018 and made his All-Star debut in 2022. During his two seasons with the Hawks from 2022 to 2024, he averaged an impressive 21.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Murray also improved his three-point shooting in Atlanta, averaging 2.2 made threes per game at a 35.5 percent success rate.
This trade reshapes the rosters of both teams and could have significant implications for the balance of power within the league. Fans and commentators will be watching closely to see how Murray integrates with the Pelicans and how the Hawks leverage their new assets in future moves.
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Hawks trade Dejounte Murray to Pelicans in surprisingly cheap deal
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