Expectations around the industry expect a fairly quiet day as the hours creep closer to the 3 PM ET NBA trade deadline as far as stars being moved. Yet, one of the biggest names on the market appears to be Dejounte Murray, who hasn’t been part of the solution as the Atlanta Hawks try soaring to the next level of competition.
Oddly enough, Murray didn’t play in last night’s Hawks game, a possible indicator that a trade is close. Typically, teams nearing a trade don’t want to risk a player getting hurt, thus ruining the negotiation altogether. Is that what’s happening with Murray too?
Related: NBA MVP race
New Orleans Pelicans named as sleeper for Dejounte Murray trade
Several teams have been linked to a potential Dejounte Murray trade, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, and Miami Heat. One team we haven’t heard much about is the New Orleans Pelicans, but they could be ready to strike.
“I do think there’s another team that has piqued Atlanta’s interest and vice versa, and that’s New Orleans. There’s been some conversations. I don’t know if they’ve elevated quite yet. I think there maybe could be some more here leading to the trade deadline on a deal that I don’t think would include CJ McCollum. I think it would be Dejounte Murray with him.”
ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski on New Orleans Pelicans’ interest in Dejounte Murray
Related: NBA Rookie of the Year race: Where does Jordan Hawkins rank?
Not only do the Pelicans have young talent that could generate interest, they also have additional first-round picks they can part with in an effort to pull Murray away from Atlanta. A one-time All-Star and former member of the NBA’s All-Defensive team, Murray may not have been able to help the Hawks, but he’d be a good addition to the Pelicans.
