The Pelicans made a major upgrade at the guard position on Friday, acquiring the services of Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Atlanta is trading Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2024
Fresh off of a campaign in which the Pels were swiftly dispatched by the upstart Thunder in four games, Willie Green's side was in desperate need of a change in the backcourt. They found their target in Murray, whose lanky frame, offensive effectiveness, and defensive potential proved tantalizing to a great many teams.
New Orleans' acquisition didn't come cheap. Murray fetched a sizable return for rebuilding Atlanta, with the Hawks securing the services of Australian wing Dyson Daniels and Larry Nance Jr., as well as two first-round picks, one from 2025 (via the Lakers) and one from 2027 (the least favorable of the Bucks and Pelicans' pick).
Murray averaged 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals on 45.9/36.3/79.4 shooting splits in 2023-24.
Dejounte Murray trade details
Pelicans receive:
- Dejounte Murray
Hawks receive:
- Dyson Daniels
- Larry Nance Jr.
- 2025 first-round pick (via Lakers)
- 2027 first-round pick (less favorable of Bucks-Pelicans)
Murray's name had long lingered in trade talks, with reports linking him with the Warriors and Lakers, among others. His time in Atlanta comes to an unceremonious end two years after he first broke ground there, joining the Hawks from San Antonio in the hopes of forming a fearsome partnership with Trae Young.
Murray and Young strung together impressive stat totals during their two-year spell with one another. However, postseason success eluded Atlanta during that time; for all their efforts, the Hawks mustered two first-round exits during the Murray-Young era.
Despite his former franchise's aversion for deep playoff runs, Murray still retained quite the standing around league circles. New Orleans had to open up the duffle bag to add him to its Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram-led roster, parting ways with Daniels — a highly-skilled wing who possesses All-Defense-type potential.
The Pels also surrendered forward Larry Nance Jr. and first-round selections in the 2025 and 2027 drafts.
Murray's trade very well could set off a fire sale for the Hawks, who are believed to be interested in only keeping incoming No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson. Everyone else, including Young, is viewed as expendable.
Dejounte Murray contract details
Murray signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the Hawks before the 2023-24 season. His deal begins in 2024-25 and includes a $30.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
Murray is set to be an unrestricted free agent in the 2027 or 2028 offseason.
| Season | Salary |
| 2023-24 | $17,714,000 |
| 2024-25 | $24,799,600 |
| 2025-26 | $26,783,600 |
| 2026-27 | $28,767,536 |
| 2027-28 | $30,751,504 (PO) |
Dejounte Murray stats
2023-24 season
- 22.5 points per game
- 6.4 assists per game
- 5.3 rebounds per game
- 1.4 steals per game
- 0.3 blocks per game
- 2.6 turnovers per game
- 45.9 percent field goal shooting
- 36.3 percent 3-point shooting
- 79.4 percent free throw shooting
Career
- 15.4 points per game
- 5.8 rebounds per game
- 5.3 assists per game
- 1.4 steals per game
- 0.3 blocks per game
- 1.8 turnovers per game
- 45.8 percent field goal shooting
- 34.5 percent 3-point shooting
- 78.7 percent free throw shooting
