Last season, the New Orleans Pelicans were heavily scrutinized for trading several assets, including Dyson Daniels, to acquire Dejounte Murray. The transaction sent Daniels, E.J. Liddell, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller, and two first-round picks to Atlanta during the 2024 offseason. Initially, this move appeared to backfire after Murray suffered a season-ending injury in his 31st game and Daniels thrived in Atlanta, earning the Most Improved Player award and leading the league in steals.
However, with Trae Young no longer with Atlanta, Daniels’ performance has dropped, especially from three-point range where he now shoots below 15 percent. Meanwhile, Murray has returned to the Pelicans and provided the leadership and control the team desperately needed. This shift has changed many minds about the trade’s value, now viewing it positively for New Orleans.
How Murray’s Return Has Elevated the Pelicans’ Offense
New Orleans needed a steady, commanding presence to organize their offense. Since Murray’s return, the Pelicans’ offensive rating has risen dramatically, moving from the bottom ten to the top ten in the league. While Daniels excels defensively with over two steals per game, the Pelicans can no longer afford to struggle as much with spacing and shooting beyond the arc. Their three-point metrics place them in a challenging position already, and adding Daniels would have compounded those difficulties.
Murray’s ability to slow down the pace and orchestrate play has proved indispensable. The team requires more than just defensive intensity; they also need efficient scoring and control, which Murray delivers effectively. This balance was missing during Daniels’ early success but is now reshaping the team’s trajectory.
Long-Term Effects of the Trade Becoming Clear
The evolving impact of this trade underscores how NBA deals often take time to reveal their true winners and losers. Daniels achieved notable individual success last season, but Atlanta’s overall consistency has faltered since then. Conversely, New Orleans is benefiting from stability brought by Murray’s steady contributions.
This trade serves as a reminder that initial impressions can be misleading, especially when injuries alter player availability. The Pelicans, now with a more balanced roster and a productive floor general in Murray, appear to have made the smarter investment for sustained success.
