The New Orleans Pelicans have acquired All-Star guard Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks, according to a report by The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
In exchange for Murray, the Pelicans are sending veteran Larry Nance Jr., point guard Dyson Daniels, forward E.J. Lidell and two first-round selections to Atlanta. The picks that the Hawks will receive are reportedly a 2025 first-rounder from the Los Angeles Lakers and the least-favorable first-round selection from Milwaukee Bucks or Pelicans in 2027.
The Hawks acquired Murray, fresh of his first All-Star appearance, in the summer of 2022 in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs that saw them give up three first-rounders. While Murray continued to be a productive player, averaging a career-high 22.5 points per game last season, he proved to be an awkward fit with the franchise’s main star, Trae Young.
After drafting guard Zaccharie Risacher with the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Hawks likely felt in a good position to retool their roster and move on from a sizeable contract. Murray’s four-year, $114 million extension is scheduled to kick in this upcoming season.
For the Pelicans, the acquisition of Murray is another win-now move. With Murray’s playmaking abilities and defense, New Orleans should be in a good position to make some noise in the Western Conference and finally embark on a deep playoff run.
