76ers Given Boost by Pelicans' Dejounte Murray Trade
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Dejounte Murray is a player who had been linked with a move to the Philadelphia 76ers this season amid rumors that the Atlanta Hawks were looking to start afresh after a couple of underwhelming seasons.
The Hawks have indeed parted ways with Murray but he will be playing his basketball in NOLA instead of the City of Brotherly Love.
According to Adrien Wojnarowski on X, the New Orleans Pelicans are trading a 2025 first-round (via the Lakers) and a least-favorable Milwaukee/Pelicans 2027 first-round pick, Larry Nance Jr., and more, for Murray.
While the 76ers won't be signing Murray, it could open up other opportunities for them, namely Brandon Ingram.
Paul George is believed to be the 76ers' top target this summer but if they miss out on him, which is very possible, especially amid the growing Golden State Warriors links, then Ingram is speculated to be a potential alternative.
One would think that Murray's arrival makes Ingram leaving New Orleans more likely. As Paul Kasabian wrote on Bleacher Report: "Murray joins a Pelicans team anchored by Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. Brandon Ingram, who has been repeatedly linked with a trade out of New Orleans, could see his days with the team numbered in the wake of the trade."
Ingram has been a solid contributor since swapping Los Angeles for New Orleans. He has averaged over 20 points per game in all five of his seasons with the Pelicans. His rebounding and playmaking have been a positive as well.
Ingram is set to make $36 million next season and is eligible for a four-year, $208 million contract extension. The Pelicans do appear to be reluctant to hand him that kind of a deal though, which has raised question marks over his future in New Orleans moving forward.
If the 76ers miss out on George this summer, someone like Ingram could be a solid acquisition for them.