The New Orleans Pelicans finalized a trade with the Atlanta Hawks to acquire Dejounte Murray, strengthening their backcourt ahead of free agency and sending two first-round picks and three players to Atlanta.

By the Numbers
  • Murray averaged a career-high 22.5 points, made 201 three-pointers, and recorded 6.4 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game last season.
  • Murray's contract extension is a four-year deal worth $114 million, with upcoming earnings of $25.3 million next season and a $31.3 million player option in 2027-28.
Yes, But

The trade raises questions about Murray's defensive role in New Orleans compared to his offensive focus in Atlanta and the potential impact on the Pelicans' roster dynamics.

State of Play
  • New Orleans is now hard-capped at the first apron with 12 players under contract and close to the luxury tax threshold.
  • Atlanta faces uncertainties in their backcourt rotation following the trade, with several new additions and the need to redefine their guard lineup.
What's Next

The trade sets the stage for a reevaluation of both teams' strategies, with implications for the Pelicans' future moves and the Hawks' restructuring of their guard positions.

Bottom Line

The trade involving Dejounte Murray signifies a strategic shift for both the Pelicans and the Hawks, prompting a recalibration of their player roles and team dynamics moving forward.