The Atlanta Hawks have traded Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Full trade on ESPN: Dejounte Murray for Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, 2025 first-round pick (via Lakers), 2027 first-round pick (least favorable of Bucks-Pels) https://t.co/4BLEuDodqT
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2024
In return, the Hawks will receive Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2027 first-round pick. The 2025 first-round pick will come by way of the Los Angeles Lakers, so their level of success this season will determine where the pick falls. The 2027 first-round pick will be the least favorable of the Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks’.
Pelicans, Hawks Execute Highly Anticipated Offseason Trade
Many anticipated that the Hawks would trade one of either Murray or Trae Young this offseason.
Though both are highly talented, they weren’t a natural fit because they’re two lead guards. That being said, with Young being Atlanta’s primary playmaker, Murray had to play off-ball more. This undermined his strengths, as he’s at his best when attacking off-the-dribble. However, despite Murray’s status as second-in-command, the Hawks played better when Young was out last season. Atlanta went 14-14 without him in 2023-24 and 12-11 in the games he missed with a finger injury.
Factoring in Murray’s leadership, the constant drama surrounding Young, and the latter’s defensive concerns, there was question about who the Hawks should keep. Indeed, many teams were said to prefer trading for Murray rather than Young. If it seems strange that a three-time All-Star has less value than a one-time All-Star, it is. Nonetheless, those reports underscore the complexity of Atlanta’s situation.
With that being said, it was thought that when the Hawks made a trade with the Pelicans, they would want Brandon Ingram.
No Brandon Ingram?
On the one hand, for New Orleans to get Murray without giving up Ingram is impressive. Throughout last season, the Pelicans were on the market for a starting point guard. Though it wasn’t their only issue, not having an initiator and distributor stifled the offense. Despite three stars with an offensive bent, New Orleans ranked 23rd in field goal attempts (87.4); they weren’t getting the shots up to maximize their talent.
Now with a point guard who can score, distribute, and slow down opposing ball-handlers, they’re another step closer to the first championship of the Zion Williamson era.
Of course, the Pelicans could still trade the long-limbed forward. However, with a point guard to make sure he gets touches, their primary motivation to move him would be financial. As he’s under contract through 2024-25, the most logical route would be to let the season play out. Whether the Pelicans underachieve or make a deep playoff run, they’ll have a better idea of it’s worth bringing him back.
From the Hawks’ side, this is a gamble.
Rebuilding or Remodeling?
As previously mentioned, Atlanta did play better without Young last season. This is primarily due to Atlanta tightening up their defense when he was out of the lineup. So if the Hawks were going to trade Young, the thought is that they would at least bring in another All-Star-caliber player. Ingram often finds defense optional, but he’s one of the best scorers in the league.
If the Lakers lose LeBron James this offseason, which seems increasingly unlikely, the 2025 first-round pick is extremely valuable. It may even be used to add a star, with teams anticipating a rough season for the Lakers. Yet, if James returns, the Hawks would’ve traded one of their best players for two late first-rounders, a backup big man, and a raw point guard.
Not only is this poor value, it looks like a team more interested in rebuilding than remodeling. If it’s the former, then Young may press for a trade. If Young requests to be moved, Atlanta will become Pandora’s box.
