Report: Pelicans Prefer Dejounte Murray Over Trae Young – Basketball Insiders

The New Orleans Pelicans are looking to make a big move or two this coming season. As a result, many have linked them to a possible trade with the Atlanta Hawks. Especially, for Trae Young. However, recent reports suggest that the team would like to target another Atlanta guard, Dejounte Murray. The Hawks have the first option to use a trade package to attract a team this offseason. It looks like the team will enter a rebuilding phase. Considering all of this, don’t be surprised to see Dejounte Murray and/or Trae Young in a different uniform come next year.

Pelicans reportedly prefer to trade Dejounte Murray over Trae Young

Dejounte Murray Trading Benefits

While Trae Young is the splashier name of the two star guards, Dejounte Murray simply makes more sense to pair with Zion Williamson. Murray knows how to take advantage of pick and roll and pop as a master ball handler. He provides a variety of defensive options and is on a team-friendly contract compared to Young. The former steals champion is likely to call up a young player or two and a few draft picks.

This also means that the Pelicans will not part with any of their core. A core that includes Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram. If the Pelicans can swing a package centered around Dejounte Murray without giving up McCollum or Ingram (or giving up just one of these players), they will have one of the most feared trades coming into next season. Overall, Dejounte Murray would be a great fit for the New Orleans Pelicans and give Zion Williamson another weapon on the perimeter.

Would He Fit With The New Orleans Pelicans?

Murray will be a perfect fit for this New Orleans squad. The team already has a lot of young defensive talent. Murray can come in and provide some valuable information, especially regarding perimeter defense. On top of this, he will give the Pelicans a reliable ball handler with floor management experience. As a result, this will allow McCollum (if not traded) to use the ball, an area where he is most effective as an offensive threat. While eligibility is always a question when discussing potential trades, the New Orleans Pelicans could make a lot of sense for Dejounte Murray.