Hawks trade Dejounte Murray to Western Conference contender

Wojnarowski noted that the Pelicans are hopeful that Murray can generate offense late in games, as the team has struggled in close games. He also notes that, despite the move, the team is still trying to find common ground on a new contract with Brandon Ingram.

The Hawks had high hopes for the Murray-Young combination when they gave up an array of first-round picks to acquire him two years ago. The pairing never really took off and seemed to struggle to co-exist at times. Fresh off the addition of first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, the Hawks clearly felt it was time to pull the plug. In two total seasons with Atlanta, Murray averaged 21.5 points and 6.3 assists per game.

The Pelicans remain very serious about making noise in the West, and this move proves it. While Ingram’s future with the organization remains very unclear, a core of Murray, C.J. McCollum and Zion Williamson is a formidable one as long as everyone involved stays healthy.