The New Orleans Pelicans gave up two first-round draft picks to land Dejounte Murray, including the 22nd selection in the 2025 draft. They already regret parting with Dyson Daniels and it will only grow as the draft choices come due. The Hawks already feel that harsh reality after giving up a lottery pick in their failed Murray trade.
Atlanta owes a 2027 first-round draft pick and a 2026 swap beyond this year’s selection to the Spurs. They believed they were landing an All-Star guard to form a dynamic duo with Trae Young, but it never worked as planned. Atlanta was below .500 over his two-year tenure with just one playoff appearance.
The Pelicans are now in the same boat. He is under contract for at least two more years, but nobody knows what to expect coming off an Achilles injury. Murray did not play like a star in the Big Easy, and things aren’t magically getting better for the Pelicans.
Pelicans will regret Dejounte Murray trade more as time goes on
New Orleans owes the Hawks a 2027 first-round draft too. They may have given up the best player and draft capital in a trade that borders on disastrous. Murray coming back and finding his scoring efficiency would do wonders, but that is a massive ask coming off an Achilles injury. The 6’5 guard will struggle in the 2025-26 season.
The Hawks may use this selection as part of a package to move up or trade it for an impact veteran. That will only make things worse for New Orleans as they search for a direction.
Atlanta currently feels the effects of both Murray trades. They are getting a late first-rounder, but giving up a lottery selection. There is certainly more disappointment than excitement for the Hawks.
The Pelicans are the second straight team with regrets about trading for Dejounte Murray. He is a proven 20-point per-game scorer with defensive upside, but struggles to find his fit and an unfortunate injury have been roadblocks. New Orleans will continue to feel the squeeze over the next two seasons, which is certainly not ideal.
The New Orleans Pelicans face an important offseason. They must improve the talent on their roster and would have another first-round draft if they didn’t famously deal it to land Dejounte Murray. The Pels wish a redo was available, but it isn’t.
Instead, Pels fans are about to feel the pain that Hawks supporters are feeling right now. It won’t be pretty.