Aussie traded in blockbuster NBA move

by Admin
June 29, 2024

Australian guard Dyson Daniels is on his way to Atlanta as part of a huge trade that sends high-scoring Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans for a package expected to include two first-round draft picks, according to people with knowledge of the discussions.

The Hawks will also acquire Larry Nance Jr., E.J. Liddell in the deal.

Daniels is the second Australian player to be dealt this week after Josh Giddey landed in Chicago from Oklahoma City.

Daniels is still improving on offence and is largely getting by on his defensive game but the move to Atlanta should give him a chance to expand and develop his offensive game.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Dyson Daniels #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket between James Harden #1 and Mason Plumlee #44 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on February 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Getty

Daniels saw his minutes reduced in two straight postseasons at the Pelicans, who are spoilt for choice in the wing and guard positions with CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones and Trey Murphy.

The Hawks made swing player Zaccharie Risacher of France the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft before trading AJ Griffin to Houston on Thursday to obtain a second-round pick used to obtain rights to guard/forward Nikola Djurisic of Serbia.

The trade of Murray signals the Hawks’ offseason overhaul may just be beginning.

“We’re always going to look for ways to improve the team,” general manager Landry Fields said Friday in Risacher’s first Atlanta news conference. Fields would not talk more of any possible interest in trading veteran players.

Australian Boomers players Josh Green and Josh Giddey attends a press-conference at Foot Locker in Melbourne. — Josh Green, Xavier Cooks, Duop Reath, Will Magnay, Nick Kay, Matisse Thybulle, Chris Goulding, Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels pose in melbourne ahead of Paris 2024. Getty

The backcourt combination of Trae Young and Murray produced points but no playoff success. The Hawks finished 10th in the Eastern Conference at 36-46 this season and haven’t won a playoff series since advancing to the Eastern Conference finals in 2021.

The 2025 first rounder in the trade talks was acquired by New Orleans from the Los Angeles Lakers as part of the 2019 Anthony Davis trade, Details of the 2029 first rounder were not final.

The 27-year-old Murray averaged a career-high 22.5 points with 6.4 assists this season. He has averaged 15.4 points in seven seasons, including five with San Antonio.