The Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans have made a blockbuster trade, with the Hawks sending guard Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans in exchange for Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, two first-round picks, and E.J. Lidell.
Murray had an impressive 2023-24 season with the Hawks, averaging a career-high 22.5 points along with 6.4 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game.
The Pelicans, who went 49-33 last season and were eliminated in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, are looking to solidify their roster around star Zion Williamson.
Murray's addition should provide offensive stability and defensive prowess for New Orleans. The Hawks, on the other hand, will be reshaping their roster with length and resetting the culture.
The first-round picks acquired by the Hawks give them options to build around Trae Young or potentially trade for other assets. Daniels was selected eighth overall in last year's draft and provides defense with room for offensive growth as a scorer.
Murray reportedly clashed with Hawks star guard Trae Young, which may have contributed to the trade. The Hawks underperformed during Murray's tenure, finishing 41-41 in 2022-23 and 36-46 in 2023-24.
The Pelicans managed to acquire Murray without including Brandon Ingram, a significant win for the team. The addition of Murray should improve New Orleans' execution in late game situations and provide a better fit alongside CJ McCollum and Williamson.
Sources: USA TODAY Sports, The Athletic