Dejounte Murray fires back at Josh Hart's New Orleans Pelicans diss

The New Orleans Pelicans are not considered a big market team. That's a brutal truth, but one that every Pelicans fan and New Orleans resident is already familiar with. But, while it doesn't draw media attention the same way that New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago do, New Orleans is one of the greatest and most storied cities in the United States, and its hoop fans consistently show out for their Pelicans.

One of the most beloved players in recent memory is Josh Hart, the requisite team player, capable of fulfilling a multitude of roles with aplomb. Hart has accumulated a cult following for his versatile game and hustle in every stop of his NBA career thus far. Unfortunately, he might have just burned a bridge, more specifically, The Causeway.

On a live edition of the Roommates Show, his podcast with teammate and friend, Jalen Brunson, Hart fired a stray at the city of New Orleans, the Pelicans, and their fans. If that wasn't egregious enough on its own, he happened to do it while talking to Big Easy legend, Lil Wayne. Hart did so while trying to compliment Tunechi, but the message that really came across was one of disrespect. Perhaps Hart feels emboldened now suiting up for the New York Knicks alongside his fellow Villanova alumni and best friends.

Dejounte Murray expresses his excitement in defense of New Orleans

Hart came out and said, "I don't think you’ll ever hear someone say they were excited to be traded to New Orleans." For context, he uttered that statement in order to set up an opportunity to show his love for Lil Wayne, stating that he did get excited to ride around the city while listening to Weezy's music. Wayne, of course, consistently reps New Orleans, both in his discography and his everyday life.

Even with Hart's intentions made clear, it's hard not to view this as a shot to both the city and the Pelicans. Plenty of residents and fans were quick to jump on him for his comments, as evidenced by the comment section of the above tweet.

Dejounte Murray, who was traded to New Orleans earlier this summer, expressed his thoughts as a primary source.

It has to be thrilling as a Pelicans fan to not only see Murray defend New Orleans, but also take the opportunity to share his excitement for his new team and home. The Pelicans are now his third team. At 27 years old and armed with a contract that could run through 2028, Murray should be hoping that this one sticks. On paper, he should be a seamless fit next to Zion Williamson, so there should be a strong chance that he'll sign his next contract with New Orleans as well if everything goes as planned.

Rest assured, Hart did take the time to address his statement and try to make things right with the city of New Orleans. In two follow-up tweets, he added some context that he hoped would take some of the sting out of his original diss:

"I was traded from LA to Nola lol But I loved my time in Nola though"

"Dang my Nola people don’t be mad at me cause I said I wasn’t excited to get traded to Nola. Once I got there yall showed me love and I loved my time there. It’s all love lol"

Josh Hart will always be remembered fondly for his time in New Orleans, but expect to hear a few friendly boo birds from the crowd when the Knicks come in town on December 21, 2024.