The New Orleans Pelicans showed how serious they are about wanting to contend for an NBA title by pulling off a stunning trade that landed them Dejounte Murray via a swap with the Atlanta Hawks.
Murray is an incredible addition to the Pels, who should get great play from him on both ends of the floor. Perhaps more importantly, the Pelicans now have a seemingly dependable weapon in the clutch.
Via Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
New Orleans was 0-24 when trailing entering the fourth and 2-14 in close games and see Murray as a player who can generate offense late in games. Pels remain committed to core that includes Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. Pels are trying to find common ground with Brandon Ingram contract.
The Pelicans finished eighth in the Western Conference standings in the 2023-24 NBA season with a 49-33 record. Just imagine how better their record could have been if they played well enough in the fourth quarter to avoid losing at least half of those 24 games that they trailed in going into the final period. But that’s in New Orleans’ rearview mirror now, as the Pelicans have seemingly made a move to address that issue.
Dejounte Murray could be the answer to the New Orleans Pelicans’ woes
Murray now slots in the Pelicans’ backcourt alongside CJ McCollum and will be running the floor together with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram — at least that’s what it appears on paper.
Murray who signed a four-year, $114.07 million extension with the Hawks in 2023, averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists through 78 games in the 2023-24 campaign.
For More NBA, WNBA, and College Basketball Content:
Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at @Rexwell14. Also, do not forget to follow us at @HardwoodHeroics for even more great basketball content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in the world of the NBA – especially with all the NBA trade rumors swirling around and NBA free agency news – college basketball, and also the WNBA, click here!