Hawks trade Dejounte Murray to Pelicans for Nance Jr., Daniels, and picks

The New Orleans Pelicans have swung for the fences, landing Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. Yes, the same Murray who had Hawks fans dreaming of a deep playoff run just two years ago. Reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pelicans are shipping off veteran forward Larry Nance Jr., sophomore guard Dyson Daniels, a 2025 first-round pick via the Lakers, and a potentially less favorable 2027 first-round pick between themselves and the Bucks. That's a king's ransom for the 27-year-old Murray, fresh off a career-best season in Atlanta.

Murray's 2023-24 stats read like a video game: 22.5 points per game, 201 three-pointers, and the kind of defensive hustle that only a former All-Defensive Team honoree can bring. It's a big bet for the Pelicans, but then again, Murray isn't just another guard. Since his days in San Antonio, he's been an evolving triple-threat. His leap in three-point accuracy, shooting 36.3% last season compared to a mere 33.0% in his first five seasons, has transformed his game from great to unguardable.

The Pelicans, who could use a miracle in clutch moments, might just have found their savior. Last season, New Orleans was a dreadful 0-22 when trailing entering the fourth quarter. Their offense turned into a pumpkin in the clutch, ranking 26th in offensive rating during close games. But with Murray hitting 40 clutch shots last season, fifth-most in the league, the Pelicans have a new crunch-time ace. His ability to nail game-winners is Curry-esque; he tied with Stephen Curry for the most go-ahead shots in the final five seconds of fourth quarter or overtime.

Murray's presence should electrify the Pelicans' lineup. He joins the rarefied air of players like Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic, with his impressive 1,500 points, 500 assists, and 100 steals last season. He's a two-way dynamo, the only player to notch at least 100 steals in each of the last five seasons.

Pelicans pay steep price for Murray, betting big on immediate success

While the Pelicans are all in on Murray, the cost isn't insignificant. Dyson Daniels, the 2022 No. 8 pick, was just starting to find his defensive groove, averaging 1.4 steals in limited minutes. Larry Nance Jr., despite being plagued by injuries, provided solid backup support and veteran savvy. But these sacrifices underscore the Pelicans' urgency to win now.

Atlanta, on the other hand, is closing the chapter on the Murray-Young backcourt experiment that never quite fulfilled its promise. Despite shelling out three first-round picks to San Antonio for Murray in 2022, the Hawks couldn't get past the first playoff round. Now, they're resetting, hoping the incoming assets will better align with Trae Young's superstar trajectory.

Murray's four-year, $114 million extension, starting next season, looms large on New Orleans' cap sheet. With 12 players under contract, the Pelicans are walking a financial tightrope, sitting $2.6 million below the tax and $8.5 million below the first apron. Yet, in a league where superstars change fortunes, the Pelicans are hoping Murray is their ticket to relevance and beyond.

So, as the ink dries on this blockbuster trade, Pelicans fans can dream once more. Murray's arrival is more than a roster upgrade; it's a statement. New Orleans isn't here to play it safe. They're swinging for the fences, hoping Dejounte Murray is the grand slam they desperately need.