The New Orleans Pelicans made headlines yesterday in a blockbuster trade. According to multiple reports, the Pelicans acquired Atlanta Hawks star guard Dejounte Murray for Larry Nance, Dyson Daniels, and two first round picks.
Murray had long been in trade rumors, so this was not surprising. The Pelicans desperately needed a floor general who could allow guard CJ McCollum to slide to his more natural shooting guard spot. Murray’s all around skillset makes him the perfect fit for the Pelicans.
New Orleans is coming off of a disappointing playoff exit that saw them get swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder. While Zion Williamson was not in uniform for any of those games, the Pelicans shortcomings were exposed offensively. They didn’t have enough playmaking to get guys easier shots or consistent shot creation. They also could not stretch the floor well enough to open up the offense.
Adding Murray fixes one of their problems, but with Jonas Valanciunas entering free agency this summer, the Pelicans need to shore up their front court and get Williamson a running mate that fits with him. Valanciunas was a great rebounder and post scorer, but he could not stretch the floor enough (31 percent from three on 2 attempts per game), to play next to Williamson.
Luckily for the Pelicans, a terrifc player could be available out west that would be the dream fit for their frontcourt. This leads us to an interesting trade proposal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have a weakness of their own that needs fixing.