(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks have finally started their rebuild.
Shortly after adding Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 pick, they also moved Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans.
That wasn’t much of a surprise, as there had been plenty of rumors about Murray’s departure floating around dating back to last season, and the Pelicans were clearly in big need of a guard.
Recently, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that the Pelicans and Hawks had been tangled up in trade talks for months now.
Reporting on the Hawks-Pelicans trade and Brandon Ingram’s future with @RB_Mrs on SportsCenter pic.twitter.com/5V5pFVeFsC
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2024
He argues that even though they also wanted to part ways with Trae Young, Murray’s contract made it easier for them to move him right now.
Woj said that, for Atlanta, it was all about getting back on the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, which is one of the most stacked in years.
They didn’t have a first-round pick in that draft because of the original Dejounte Murray trade.
Now, this also might have big implications for Brandon Ingram’s future.
While he’s always been a solid player for the Pelicans, he’s injury-prone, and the new CBA makes it tough for them to sign him to a max contract extension at this moment.
The Pelicans reportedly want to keep Ingram, but it will be tough to convince him to stay around if he doesn’t get a contract extension, and he’s currently in the final year of his deal.
Still, adding a lead guard next to CJ McCollum was their top priority, and they got that done with this move.
The post NBA Insider Gives Update On Brandon Ingram’s Future With Pelicans appeared first on The Cold Wire.