And we’re off! The NBA offseason has officially begun. Atlanta Hawks are trading All-Star guard Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans for Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2027 first-round pick, according to ESPN.
This move ends the brief partnership of Murray and Trae Young, who played together for two seasons, leading to a first-round playoff exit and a 36-46 record this past season. Despite the team’s struggles, Murray had a strong season, averaging a career-high 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds, with a shooting percentage of nearly 46% and a career-high 36.3% from three-point range on over seven attempts per game.
The trade is seen as beneficial for both teams. For the Pelicans, Murray will strengthen their backcourt alongside CJ McCollum, allowing McCollum to return to his natural position of shooting guard, a role in which he thrived with the Trail Blazers alongside Damian Lillard.
For the Hawks, the trade brings two first-round picks and a promising young player in Daniels. Although the 2025 pick comes from the Lakers and the 2027 pick will be the worse of either the Bucks or Pelicans, next year’s draft is expected to be deep, offering potential high upside for Atlanta.
This trade provides clarity for the Hawks’ offseason strategy.
They need to decide whether to aim for competitiveness next season, considering their limited success with Young as their centerpiece.
Young, 25, was instrumental in the Hawks’ trip to the Eastern Conference finals but has seen a decline in efficiency over the last two seasons and remains one of the league’s worst defenders.
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