METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) — The New Orleans Pelicans officially introduced new guard Dejounte Murray at the team’s practice facility Tuesday. Murray comes to the Pelicans in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks for players Larry Nance, Jr., Dyson Daniels, E.J. Liddell, and Cody Zeller, plus two future first round draft picks.
Murray was an all-star with the San Antonio Spurs in 2022 and was second in scoring with the Hawks last season, averaging 22.5 points a game. He led the team in steals, averaging 1.4 per game.
“You know, you go down the list, and then I fit in with these guys because I’m a competitor,” Murray said of his new teammates. “You know, from day one, I want to compete at a high level.”
Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin said the team knew Murray was a perfect fit for the franchise. “Willie [Green, Pelicans Head Coach] and I, and our coaching staff and front office group, when we got together in the offseason and talked about where are the opportunities for us to improve, the vast majority of those questions ended with one answer–and it was Dejounte Murray, a player who is a bona fide closer, an all-star and all-defensive performer,” said Griffin.
The Pelicans are preparing for Summer League games that tip off Friday, July 12 in Las Vegas. The team’s two draft picks, center Yves Missi and guard Antonio Reeves, are expected to participate.
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