The Atlanta Hawks confirmed a complex trade deal that will send guard Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans and bring several new faces to the Hawks in return.
For all your heart and competitive fire. pic.twitter.com/OPvcSYCt1j
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 6, 2024
Credit: Atlanta Hawks/X
The Hawks will get guard Dyson Daniels, forwards E. J. Liddell, Larry Nance Jr, and center Cody Zeller (from a sign-and-trade arrangement), along with a 2025 first-round draft pick (via the L.A. Lakers) and a conditional 2027 first-round pick (least favorable of the Milwaukee Bucks and Pelicans, protected top four) from the Pelicans. Murray will join the Pelicans, ending his single-year membership with the Hawks.
Daniels averaged 5.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in 61 games with the Pelicans last season. The Hawks hope the addition of Daniels, along with newly drafted Zaccharie Risacher, will give their subpar defense a boost next season.
“Our goal is to build a contending team that can compete deep into the playoffs,” said Hawks General Manager Landry Fields, in a statement released this evening. “It became evident after further analysis and evaluation this offseason that we needed to reshape our roster and regain assets that would allow us to further build out our team.”
27-year-old Murray has a career-high average of 22.5 points, with 6.4 assists with the Hawks this past season. He has a career total of 15.4 points.
“It is certainly difficult to trade a player like DJ, but we knew it was best for our organization to move forward this way. We wish he and his family only the best.”
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 6, 2024
Credit: Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks still owe Murray a $12.1 trade bonus, which will be paid out to him over the next three years.
This move comes after a disappointing season for the Hawks where the team finished 10th in the NBA Eastern Conference with a 36-46 record. There was consistent speculation over whether Murray or the team’s most popular starter, Trae Young, or both, could be leaving the team this off-season.
Murray was traded to the Hawks in 2022 by the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Danilo Gallinari and several future first-round draft picks.