New Orleans Pelicans depth chart for 2024-25 NBA season after trading for Dejounte Murray
The first big news in the NBA after the draft sees the Atlanta Hawks shipping Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans. To acquire Murray, the Pelicans gave up Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels and two future first-round picks. Murray will be the Pelicans’ starting point guard, moving CJ McCollum to the shooting guard role.
In their loss to the OKC Thunder in the first round of the playoffs, the Pelicans’ lack of playmakers was badly exposed. Willie Green was forced to handle the reins of the offense to Jose Alvarado, who could not consistently lead the team. Murray’s arrival is expected to alleviate that situation.
Trading for Dejounte Murray has restructured the roster, but the New Orleans Pelicans might not be done making changes. The offseason is still a long way to go and the team could look even more different heading into training camp.
New Orleans Pelicans new depth chart after the Dejounte Murray trade
Dejounte Murray brings more balance to the roster. He will have the keys to Willie Green’s offense and allow CJ McCollum to slide to his more natural shooting guard role. “Grand Theft Alvarado” will be Murray’s backup while Jordan Hawkins takes over McCollum when the veteran needs a breather.
The logjam will now be in the small forward spot where Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III can all make cases to start. Matt Ryan is unquestionably coming off the bench.
Zion Williamson will be happy to have Dejounte Murray feeding him lobs as the starting power forward. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, who can play center, is likely Williamson’s backup.
Malcolm Hill is a combo guard who is on a two-way contract. He played last season in the G League, making his status with the team uncertain.
The New Orleans Pelicans drafted big man Yves Missi from Baylor and traded for Antonio Reeves who was the Orlando Magic’s pick at No. 47. It remains to be seen if Willie Green will roll with Missi as the starting center. Reeves, who can play forward and guard, is expected to spend more time developing his game.
Here’s what the Pelicans’ roster looks like with Dejounte Murray in the mix:
Pelicans are likely making a move to get another center
The New Orleans Pelicans refused to extend Jonas Valanciunas, making the big man an unrestricted free agent. Multiple reports surfaced that the Pelicans will move on from the lumbering center to get a floor-spacing big. Who that will turn out to be will be something basketball fans will be monitoring.
The Pelicans aren’t likely making Yves Missi the starter to anchor the middle. Considering the Western Conference is littered with superstar centers, the rookie could struggle on both ends.
Rumors have surfaced that GM Trajan Langdon could be looking to trade Brandon Ingram’s expiring contract. He is rumored to be looking for draft capital to flip for help in the middle.