Pelicans players that should pique Hawks trade interest

The Hawks will be big players in the NBA rumor mill this offseason. Not only have they already been connected to Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but there are a slew of Pelicans players that should pique their interest as well.

New Orleans and Atlanta agreed on a deal centered around Dejounte Murray last offseason. The Hawks received multiple picks as well as Larry Nance Jr., but the crown jewel of the trade was Dyson Daniels, who emerged as a true star in this league on the defensive side of the court.

Meanwhile, Murray experienced a season-ending injury, a theme for the Pels this season. New Orleans was one of the worst teams in the Association, and the club responded by firing David Griffin and replacing him with Joe Dumars.

Dumars has apparently been granted a level of power that has resulted in no player being untouchable in trade talks, according to Kevin O’Connor.

So, who might the Hawks be interested in if the Pelicans are open for business?

Trey Murphy III (four years, $112 million remaining)

I’m not sure how the Pelicans are so bad because they have talent, and Trey Murphy III will be highly sought after if made available for trade. The 6-foot-8 3-and-D wing has flashed for the Pels but has been hampered by a poor organization, similar to Dyson Daniels.

Murphy’s shooting, spacing, size, length, and athleticism on the defensive end of the floor is exactly what the Hawks should be looking to surround Trae Young with. Unfortunately, every other club in the Association will be doing the same. The demand for Murphy will be astronomical.

Murphy averaged over 21 points on 45.4% shooting from the field and 36.1% from beyond the arc. He won’t be cheap, but the Hawks could offer an enticing combination of young pieces and picks to throw their hats in the ring.

Herb Jones (two years, $28.8 million remaining)

At 6-foot-8, Jones is one of the best defensive players in basketball, capable of guarding all five positions. He’s not as polished of an offensive product, but he did knock down three-pointers at a 42% clip last season and is on a very team-friendly deal.

Yves Missi (four years, $15 million remaining)

Missi is a 2024 first-round pick who fits the profile that the Hawks want in a big man. He averaged 9.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game last season and did plenty of damage as a lob threat, something that should interest Atlanta with Trae Young in the fold.

Kelly Olynyk (one year, $13.4 million remaining)

Olynyk is a much different big man than Missi, but the Hawks need a stretch big, maybe more than someone like Missi. He’s a veteran, playing the last 12 seasons in the NBA. He’s coming off a season in which he played in 44 games between the Raptors and Pelicans while averaging nearly nine points on a 41.8% clip from deep.

Jose Alvarado (two years, $9 million remaining; player option in 2026-27)

The Hawks need a backup point guard. Perhaps they aren’t ready to give up on Kobe Bufkin, but Alvarado is a proven commodity who can facilitate, defend, and score a little bit. He also wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg like some of the others on this list.