Report: Pelicans Were Interested In Trading For Lauri Markkanen Even After Dejounte Murray Trade

According to NBA reporter Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the New Orleans Pelicans were interested in trading for Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen even after acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. 

The Jazz never were presented with an offer that caused them to seriously consider trading Markkanen, who signed a five-year, $238 million deal with Utah on August 7. 

Markkanen can’t be traded during the 2024-25 season now. 

“They’ve all showed their belief in me, from the ownership to the front office to Will (Hardy),” Markkanen told NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. “It’s a comfortable environment and those guys’ résumés speak for themselves. I trust in the organization to help grow me as a person and a player, to build our team, and I’m ready to take on the challenge.”

One of the best forwards in the NBA, Markkanen averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks in 2023-24 for the Jazz while shooting 48.0% from the floor, 39.9% from beyond the arc and 89.9% from the free-throw line.

A one-time All-Star, Markkanen has career averages of 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz. He won the 2022-23 Most Improved Player of the Year Award with Utah.

“Once I got traded to Utah, the organization and city immediately embraced me, and it’s been a family-oriented place — especially with me having my own little kids now,” Markkanen told ESPN. “It’s been an easy transition to basketball and easy off the court. I’ve grown comfortable building all of these relationships, and it’s been a great place for me to grow as a person.”

Murray appeared in 78 games for the Hawks last season. He averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.3 blocks while shooting 45.9% from the field, 36.3% from beyond the arc and 79.4% from the foul line. 

The Hawks signed Murray to a four-year, $114 million extension in July 2023. Murray will make $24.8 million next season. 

A versatile two-way player, Murray has career averages of 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.3 blocks with the San Antonio Spurs and Hawks.