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Blockbuster trade: Pelicans 6-for-1 welcome Dejounte Murray
On July 7, Beijing time, the Pelicans officially announced that they would trade all-around guard Dejounte Murray from the Hawks in a high-profile 6-for-1 trade. At the heart of the deal is the exchange of Cody Zeller, Nance, Dyson Daniels, Liddell and two future first-round picks in exchange for a top-tier defender with both offensive and defensive capabilities. The trade has undoubtedly caused a stir in the league, and the Pelicans are looking to significantly improve the team and make a big breakthrough in the new season.
Murray's prowess: The Pelicans' all-new engine
Dejounte Murray is considered one of the best guards in the NBA who can play both offense and defense. Last season, he played in 78 games with the Hawks, starting all of them, averaging 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists while shooting 45.9 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three-point range. He is one of only two players to have at least 1,500 points, 500 assists and 100 steals in the 2023-24 season, the other being MVP winner Nikola Jokic. Murray's arrival has undoubtedly injected new energy and competitiveness into the Pelicans' backcourt.
The man behind the deal: David Griffin's strategizing
"Dejounte is one of the best guards in the NBA, both offensive and defensive, adding another dimension to our team, and we are very excited to welcome him and his family to New Orleans," said David Griffin, Pelicans' executive vice president of basketball operations after the trade. Griffin's words show his high opinion and expectations for Murray. At the same time, he also thanked the players who left the team: "We would like to thank Dyson, Larry, E.J. and Cody for all their contributions during their time with us. They are all exemplary professional players who have contributed immensely to our overall success. We wish them all the best for the future. ”
Eagles' response: Thanks to Murray for his contribution
The Eagles also expressed their gratitude to Murray on social media. Murray has played in the NBA for several seasons since being drafted by the Spurs with the 29th pick in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft, playing in 472 games, including 404 starts, and averaging 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 29.1 minutes per game. Murray's performance with the Hawks has been unanimously recognized by the team and fans, and this trade is undoubtedly a big decision for both parties to better build and develop.
Pelicans' outlook for the new season: Murray and Zion's duo drive
With the addition of Murray, the Pelicans' outlook for the new season has become particularly interesting. Last season, the Pelicans had a 49-33 record in the regular season, but were swept 4-0 by the Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. Now, Murray will join forces with Zion Williamson, the core of the team, and whether the new duo can help the Pelicans make a bigger breakthrough in the new season is a hot topic among fans and pundits alike.
The controversy of the deal: Is the Pelicans' bet worth it?
While Murray's arrival has given the Pelicans hope for the future, the 6-for-1 deal has sparked some controversy. Is it too much price for the Pelicans to send multiple key young players and two future first-round picks? If Murray's and Zion's collaboration fails to live up to expectations, the deal could be seen as a failure. Conversely, if they can lead the Pelicans far in the playoffs together, the trade will be remembered as an important decision in franchise history, and regardless of the outcome, it will profoundly affect the future of the Pelicans and Hawks. In the new season, the Pelicans' performance will be the focus of attention from fans and the media.