The NBA trade deadline is right around the corner. As such, it’s rumor season in the NBA. We’re starting to hear about which players are likely to be on the move before the season ends.
Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks is one of the biggest names on the market. His partnership with Trae Young appears to have run its course prematurely. The two ball-dominant guards don’t seem to complement each other. In all likelihood, that means that Murray will be on the move.
He should have his share of suitors – depending on Atlanta’s asking price. It’s been rumored that the Hawks are seeking a pair of first-round picks for their star guard. Could they settle for a young player and a pick instead? If so, could they send him to the New Orleans Pelicans?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, F/C Larry Nance Jr., G/F Dyson Daniels, 2025 First-Round Pick (NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans receive: G Dejounte Murray
With that said, some players can’t seem to escape trade rumors. Some players can’t help but get traded, either. It wasn’t so long ago that Murray was a member of the San Antonio Spurs. They traded him to the Hawks.
By contrast, Zion Williamson has only known one NBA team – the Pelicans. Yet, he’s been the subject of constant trade rumors. That isn’t surprising. Williamson’s chronic unavailability has made for plenty of speculation about whether the Pelicans would move him.
This year, Williamson has been available. His numbers haven’t wowed anybody, but the Pelicans have been impressive. By now, they’re far less likely to move him. Should they make a move for Murray?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
The Pelicans could use a point guard. With that said, this deal comes at the expense of some frontcourt depth. Can they afford to lose their starting center and a key depth piece just to add a floor general?
We think so. The Pelicans could pick up a big like Bismack Biyombo or Nerlens Noel on the waiver wire. It’s been rumored that they’d prefer a defensive big over Valanciunas anyway. In doing so, they can easily justify adding Murray.
After all, he’s a capable playmaker who can create shots for himself and his teammates. Murray was once an elite defender as well. Alongside his new star teammates in New Orleans, he may have enough energy to get back to that place. Should the Hawks risk watching him thrive elsewhere?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
If Murray is lacking the energy to play defense, it’s because of his offensive workload. Yet, the results have been discouraging. Despite rostering two stars in their backcourt, the Hawks are on the outside of the playoff picture.
It’s likely an issue of fit between those two stars. The Hawks can easily justify trading Murray. The question is whether this is a fair return for him. We think it is. In the current market, it may be difficult to net two unprotected firsts for a player like Murray.
Moreover, Daniels is a young player with real star potential. Nance Jr. could be a vital rotation player for this team. Young struggles on the defensive end, and that’s where Nance Jr. makes his money. Finally, Valanciunas is on an expiring deal – those are always valuable around the trade deadline.
