Report: Pelicans More Interested In Dejounte Murray Than Trae Young

According to NBA reporter Christian Clark of Nola.com, the New Orleans Pelicans are more interested in acquiring Dejounte Murray than Trae Young. 

The Atlanta Hawks are expected to trade Murray or Young this offseason. 

“If the Pelicans reengaged the Hawks, they could look to pry away Murray or Young,” Clark wrote. “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.”

The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Pelicans in the first round of this year’s playoffs. New Orleans hasn’t won a postseason series since 2018. 

Murray appeared in 78 games for the Hawks this 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 free-throw line.

Meanwhile, Young averaged 25.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 10.8 assists in 54 games while shooting 43.0% from the floor, 37.3% from 3 and 85.5% from the foul line. He had 37 double-doubles.

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

Young signed a five-year, $215 million extension with the Hawks in August 2021. He’ll make $43 million next season.

Murray has been linked to the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors and Pelicans. 

Meanwhile, Young has been linked to the Spurs, Lakers and Pelicans. 

Murray is believed to have more trade value around the NBA since he’s a better defender than Young. It will be fascinating to see what the Hawks do this offseason after winning the 2024 draft lottery. 

Murray has career averages of 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Spurs and Hawks, while Young has career averages of 25.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.2 blocks with Atlanta.