Sat, Jul 6, 2024 at 12:00am

DEJOUNTE MURRAY MOVES TO NEW ORLEANS!

The New Orleans Pelicans acquired guard Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks for forward/center Larry Nance Jr., center Cody Zeller, guard Dyson Daniels, forward E.J. Liddell, a first-round draft pick in 2025 and a protected first-round draft pick in 2027.

What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
In Murray, the Pelicans land a great point guard to run the offense (finally). He played a different role in Atlanta next to Trae Young, but he should run the show in New Orleans. With Zion Williamson the focal point of the offense up front, Murray should become a quality distributor and facilitator for the Pels.

What does it give the Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks tried the two-point guard system with Young and Murray, but the results were mixed. So, they decided to end the experiment. The key to this trade for Atlanta is the addition of two future first-round draft picks. Nance Jr., Zeller, Daniels and Liddell will add depth, but none of them moves the needle.

Fantasy impact
Draft Murray with confidence this year, as he is no longer under Young's shadow. He should be a top-20 point guard in fantasy leagues, with the possibility of being even better than that. None of Nance Jr., Zeller, Daniels or Liddell have much in the way of fantasy value at this time. Things could change as the 2024-25 campaign rolls on for Atlanta.