The New Orleans Pelicans have made a big move in the post-NBA Draft period by acquiring All-Star guard Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. This trade is expected to strengthen the Pelicans’ backcourt and improve their shot creation overall. Murray had a standout season with the Hawks, playing in 78 games and averaging a career-high 22.5 points. He also stepped up in the absence of three-time All-Star Trae Young due to injury, showcasing his value to his former team.
In addition to his scoring abilities, Murray also improved his shooting from beyond the arc last season, making a career-best 201 3-pointers. Although the Hawks had high hopes for Murray when they acquired him in 2022, pairing him with Young in the backcourt, the experiment did not pan out as expected. Now, Murray will join forces with Brandon Ingram in New Orleans, where the Pelicans are hoping he can help turn the team’s fortunes around, especially in late-game situations. Murray’s ability to make clutch shots was evident in his three go-ahead baskets in the final seconds of regulation or overtime last season.
The Pelicans gave up a pair of first-round picks, Larry Nance Jr., and Dyson Daniels, to Atlanta in exchange for Murray. The 27-year-old guard recently signed a four-year, $114 million extension with the Hawks, but Atlanta will not be responsible for paying any of that 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, and New Orleans is hopeful that he will prove to be a valuable addition to their roster.
This trade marks a fresh start for Murray in New Orleans, where he will join forces with young star Brandon Ingram to form a dynamic duo in the Pelicans’ backcourt. The team is optimistic that Murray’s scoring prowess and clutch performances will make a significant impact on their ability to close out games. With New Orleans looking to improve their late-game execution, Murray’s track record of making game-winning shots could be a crucial asset for the team moving forward.
Murray’s arrival in New Orleans comes at a time when the Pelicans are looking to build a competitive roster that can contend in the tough Western Conference. With his scoring ability, improved shooting, and clutch performances, Murray adds another dimension to the Pelicans’ offense and provides them with a proven scorer and playmaker. The Pelicans hope that his addition can help elevate the team to new heights and turn them into a serious playoff contender in the coming seasons.
Overall, the acquisition of Dejounte Murray represents a significant move for the New Orleans Pelicans as they aim to strengthen their roster and improve their competitiveness in the NBA. With Murray joining forces with Brandon Ingram in the backcourt, the Pelicans are banking on his scoring ability, shooting prowess, and clutch performances to help lead the team to success in the upcoming season. As Murray embarks on a new chapter in New Orleans, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he impacts the team and helps elevate their performance on the court.
