The NBA offseason is coming to an in depth and coaching camp is simply across the nook. It feels just like the offseason has been at a standstill because the starting of the calendar, however the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans made one of many greatest strikes of the offseason proper out of the gate.
Most thought the Hawks had been going to need to half methods with Dejounte Murray and Trae Younger and so they opted to commerce Murray to New Orleans for a bundle that included Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance and two first-round picks. Whereas Atlanta did not get again every part they traded for Murray two years in the past, they did fairly effectively.
In a latest article, Murray’s commerce was class as one of many greatest strikes of the offseason by Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale:
“The Dejounte Murray commerce was a sport changer for 2 franchises. And in contrast to most offers, it says extra concerning the promoting aspect.
Reorienting the roster round Trae Younger might be the neatest transfer the Atlanta Hawks have made. It may also be the one one.
He’s higher outfitted than Murray to steer an offensive id, and there’s little upside to buying and selling him while you don’t management your subsequent three first-round picks. The attraction wanes even additional when there’s no apparent staff prepared to pay the Godfather’s worth for his providers. Good luck saving face on the subsequent press convention in case you ship Younger for lower than what the Brooklyn Nets received for blockbuster Mikal Bridges.
Who’re the Hawks now? Trae Younger’s staff. Suffice to say, we do not know.
The New Orleans Pelicans’ motivations are clearer. They wanted a second main level guard. Murray was introduced in at an affordable worth, is about to start out a team-friendly extension and has improved his capturing sufficient to work alongside different level guards.
New Orleans’ total logic is not as strong a couple of months later. Murray’s arrival complicates Brandon Ingram’s future, and the commerce itself leaves the Pelicans even thinner at No. 5. The Ingram and middle conditions might be resolved in a single fell swoop, however the lingering nature of each is nothing if not uncomfortable.
Relying on who you ask, the most effective a part of the commerce for the Hawks was both Daniels or the Lakers’ 2025 unprotected decide. Daniels’ growth may very well be the deciding issue. On paper, he looks like a superb match for Trae Younger due to his defensive talents, however his offense is the query mark. He has the potential to be one of many NBA’s greatest improvers this 12 months and will elevate Atlanta’s protection, which has been their weak level.
