Pelicans tip their hand in preference between two Eastern Conference guards
By Matt Alquiza
New Orleans will be making moves this summer. After another first round washout, the Pelicans are eager to upgrade a roster that blends win-now talent with bright future. David Griffin, VP of basketball operations, said so himself.
With the front office in flux and James Borrego potentially heading west to Tinsel Town, Griffin and head coach Willie Green are tasked with ushering in a new era of Pelicans basketball. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, two key veterans are likely on the outs as well. All of that paired with summer renovations to the Smoothie King Center point to a face lift on the hardwood in the Big Easy.
Much of the discussion about trade candidates has centered around a guard duo in Atlanta. For well over a year now, the Pelicans have been a rumored destination for supernova guard Trae Young. The fit with Young and Zion Williamson is tantalizing. Trae Young is an elite shooter and a top half of the league offense unto himself. Along with that, his playmaking skills (specifically lob-throwing) are as good as they come in the modern NBA. Young and Williamson running the floor together in New Orleans is a dream fit.
The other Atlanta guard in trade rumors is Dejounte Murray. Atlanta swung a massive deal last summer to pair Murry and Young in their backcourt, and returns weren't promising. After a year of those two sharing the floor, Atlanta is likely to move on from one of them.
Murray brings a ton of promise to the table as well. Standing taller than Young, Murray has top-end defensive potential along with a sweet shooting stroke and playmaking skills. He may not be the offensive force Trae Young is, but as an all-around, two-way guard, Murray stands above Young.
According to Christian Clark of NOLA.com, Murray stands above Young on the Pelicans wishlist as well.
"If the Pelicans reengaged the Hawks, they could look to pry away Murray or Young. Even though Young is the more talented player, the Pelicans seem to hold more interest in Murray, league sources said. The 6-5 Murray is not as much of a defensive liability as the 6-1 Young can be. He is also on a cheaper contract; Murray will make $25.5 million next season, while Young is owed $43 million."
- Christian Clark
For a team over the projected cap number, salaries do factor into this equation. A potential Ingram for Murray swap would help New Orleans financially, but as a small market team, the Pelicans will still have some work to do.
A starting line-up of Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, and a free agent center (likely a rim-protector) has significant juice on the defensive end. However, New Orleans was desperate for offense in their playoff series against Oklahoma City, and Murray doesn't bring the offensive skill set Trae Young would come with.
Decision-making in the NBA is all about give and take, and in this scenario New Orleans would be giving away some offensive potential to solidify an already elite defense.
How do you feel about this potential move for Dejounte Murray?