The Atlanta Hawks made one of the more significant offseason moves by trading Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans. In exchange, they got Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller, and two first-round picks. The return wasn’t as large as what the Hawks gave up to acquire Murray two years prior. Still, the addition of Daniels and an unprotected 2025 first-round pick from the Lakers could make this deal look more favorable for Atlanta in the long run.
NBA Insider Thinks Hawks Win The Murray Trade If This Happens
Some critics have dismissed the trade return for the Hawks. However, if Daniels develops offensively to complement his elite defense, and the Lakers’ pick turns into a lottery selection, the trade could be seen in a much better light. Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz called the Hawks’ return in the deal a “lowkey” win, writing,
“The Dejounte Murray trade was covered sufficiently this summer, although primarily from the New Orleans Pelicans’ point of view.” Swartz added, “don’t be surprised if the Hawks come away as the winners in the deal.”
The Hawks received a valuable mix of assets in the trade, including two first-round picks and two-way potential in Daniels, but Swartz emphasized that “The most important part of the trade for the Hawks was the inclusion of a 2025 first-round pick from New Orleans, one that’s actually coming from the Los Angeles Lakers.” The Lakers’ pick, which could be a lottery selection, gives the Hawks a “potential gold mine” because of the aging Lakers core of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Swartz wrote, “With James set to turn 40 in December and Davis now 31, these two aren’t going to become more durable with age. Missing one (or both) would lead to a freefall for a Lakers team that did little to improve this offseason.”
Underrated Trade Haul For The Hawks
In addition to draft capital, the Hawks acquired Nance Jr. He is a versatile forward who adds depth and flexibility to their roster. With Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu already on the team, the Hawks have a strong center rotation. However, Nance gives them the option to move on from Capela without losing much depth at the position. This versatility could also allow Atlanta to flip Nance or Capela for extra assets in the short term.
Swartz concluded his analysis by noting that “the two-way potential of 21-year-old Daniels and the insurance of Nance as a do-it-all rotation big” could turn this trade into a “huge win for the Hawks.” Daniels was the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He has been somewhat under-discussed. His defensive skills make him a valuable addition to a Hawks team that struggled on defense last season. He could prove to be the perfect complement to Trae Young in the backcourt.
The Last Word
Overall, the Hawks’ return in the Murray trade gives them valuable flexibility for both the present and the future. With the potential lottery pick from the Lakers in 2025, the development of Daniels, and the versatility that Nance adds to the roster, Atlanta is in a strong position to capitalize on this move. If the Lakers’ pick lands high and Daniels continues to improve, this trade could be remembered as a major success for the Hawks. It will position them for future growth while maintaining competitive depth in the short term. This mix of assets addresses Atlanta’s current needs. It also gives them opportunities to build for the future. This makes the trade much more favorable than initially thought.
