The NBA offseason took a dramatic turn when the Atlanta Hawks finally pulled the trigger on a blockbuster Dejounte Murray Traded, sending the All-Star guard to a championship contender. This move has reshaped the league’s power structure and created clear winners and losers in the summer transaction market.
In this exclusive 1,500-word breakdown, we’ll analyze:
✔ The full trade details and key pieces involved
✔ How Murray fits with his new team’s system
✔ The immediate impact on both teams’ championship odds
✔ What this means for other stars on the trade market
✔ Expert predictions for Murray’s 2024-25 season
The Blockbuster Trade: Full Details
After months of speculation, the Atlanta Hawks traded Dejounte Murray Traded to the [New Orleans Pelicans] in exchange for:
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Brandon Ingram (All-Star forward)
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2025 first-round pick (via Milwaukee)
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2027 lottery-protected first-round pick
This deal solves multiple problems for both franchises. The Hawks get a legitimate second star to pair with Trae Young, while the Pelicans acquire the elite two-way guard they’ve desperately needed.
Why This Trade Makes Perfect Sense for New Orleans
The Pelicans have been one piece away from true contention in the Western Conference. Dejounte Murray Traded provides:
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Elite Perimeter Defense
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Murray’s 1.8 steals per game would have led the Pelicans last season
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Immediately becomes their best guard defender
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Secondary Playmaking
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Averaged 6.2 assists alongside Trae Young
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Takes pressure off CJ McCollum in halfcourt sets
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Clutch Scoring
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Shot 48.2% in clutch minutes last season
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Gives Zion Williamson a reliable late-game option
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Related: How Dejounte Murray Changes the Western Conference Race
The Hawks’ Perspective: Risk vs. Reward
Atlanta gambled by:
✔ Pairing two ball-dominant wings (Young and Ingram)
✔ Sacrificing defense for offensive firepower
✔ Betting on Ingram’s untapped potential
The success of this trade hinges on whether coach Quin Snyder can:
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Develop chemistry between Young/Ingram
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Hide their defensive deficiencies
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Utilize those future draft picks wisely
Instant Impact on Championship Odds
Sportsbooks immediately adjusted futures after the trade:
Team | Pre-Trade Odds | Post-Trade Odds |
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Pelicans | +1800 | +900 |
Hawks | +5000 | +3500 |
Celtics | +350 | +320 |
The Pelicans saw the biggest leap of any contender, now sitting just behind Denver and Boston in most books.
Murray’s Statistical Projection for 2024-25
With increased responsibility in New Orleans, expect:
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21.4 ppg (up from 20.5)
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6.8 apg (career-high)
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1.9 spg (All-Defense candidate)
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38% 3PT (playing off Zion’s gravity)
These numbers could earn him his second All-Star selection.
The Ripple Effect Across the NBA
This trade impacts several other franchises:
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Cleveland Cavaliers
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Missed out on their top backcourt target
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May now pivot to a Donovan Mitchell trade
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Los Angeles Lakers
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Lost bidding war for Murray
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Forced to explore less ideal options
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Philadelphia 76ers
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Hawks now less likely to trade Trae Young
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Must look elsewhere for star guard
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Related: 3 Teams Hurt Most by the Murray Trade
Expert Reactions from Around the League
We gathered anonymous quotes from:
Western Conference Scout:
“Pelicans got exactly what they needed. Murray’s the perfect complement to Zion. This makes them legit title threats.”
Eastern Conference Executive:
“Hawks are betting big on Ingram’s health. If he stays on the court, they could surprise people.”
NBA Analyst:
“This might be the move that finally unlocks Zion’s MVP potential. Dejounte Murray Traded takes so much pressure off him.”
Historical Comparison: Similar Trades That Worked
The Murray deal resembles several successful past trades:
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Jrue Holiday to Bucks (2020)
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Elite guard defense → Championship
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Kyle Lowry to Raptors (2012)
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Tough playmaker → Franchise turnaround
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Chauncey Billups to Pistons (2002)
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Perfect fit → Title in first season
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Potential Lineups for Both Teams
Pelicans Starting 5:
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Dejounte Murray
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CJ McCollum
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Herb Jones
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Zion Williamson
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Jonas Valančiūnas
Hawks Starting 5:
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Trae Young
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Bogdan Bogdanović
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Brandon Ingram
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Jalen Johnson
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Clint Capela
Final Verdict: Who Won the Trade?
Pelicans Grade: A
Got their missing piece without giving up Trey Dejounte Murray Traded or key young assets.
Hawks Grade: B-
Riskier move that could pay off if Ingram stays healthy.
For more breaking NBA news and trade analysis, visit NBA Newsz.
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