Report: Pelicans Expressed Interest As Top Trade Looms For NBA Sensation After Dejounte Murray Trade

According to NBA reporter Brett Siegel from ClutchPoints, the New Orleans Pelicans were interested in trading for Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen even after acquiring Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks.

However, the Jazz did not receive an offer that made them seriously consider trading Markkanen, who signed a five-year, $ 238 million contract with Utah on August 7. As a result, Markkanen cannot be traded during the 2024-25 season.

Markkanen expressed his appreciation for the support he’s received from the team, saying, “From ownership to the front office to Will (Hardy), they’ve all shown their belief in me. It’s a comfortable environment, and I trust the organization to help me grow as both a person and a player.”

A top forward in the NBA, Markkanen averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks during the 2023-24 season, shooting 48.0% from the field, 39.9% from three-point range, and 89.9% from the free-throw line.

A one-time All-Star, Markkanen has career averages of 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks while playing for the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Jazz. He received the 2022-23 Most Improved Player Award with Utah.

“Since I was traded to Utah, the organization and the city embraced me right away,” Markkanen told ESPN. “It’s been family-oriented, especially with my own kids now. The transition has been smooth both on and off the court, and I’ve built wonderful relationships here.”

Murray played in 78 games for the Hawks last season, averaging 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 three, and 79.4% from the free-throw line.

The Hawks signed Murray to a four-year, $114millionextensioninJuly2023,andhewillearn$ 24.8 million next season.

A versatile two-way player, Murray has career averages of 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.3 blocks with the San Antonio Spurs and Hawks.