It was June 29, the day before free agency, when the Pelicans surprised everyone by picking up Dejounte Murrayin exchange for Larry Nance Jr, EJ Liddell, Cody Zeller and Dyson Daniels but also two first round draft picks, 2025 (via the Lakers) and 2027 (the least favorable between the Bucks' choice and the Pelicans'). An exchange that recalls that of Rudy Gobert to the Wolves, and inevitably, Murray is aware that a lot is expected of him. More particularly in his relationship with Zion Williamson, with whom he has been trading for several years.
“He's our superstar, and I'm excited to push him. I warned him, 'I'm going to push you.'” says the former Spurs and Hawks point guard. “I'm excited to take him to the next level. Because he's still got a ton of levels he can reach.”
After an approach in February, the Pelicans had dropped the matter.
All the Pelicans are asking for is that Zion finally exploits his immense potential. If possible without a physical problem, like the one that deprived him of the playoffs this season when he had just walked over the Lakers in the “play-in”.
“There was already affection between us. It's been natural and sincere between us since the first day.” Murray continues. “Just knowing what he did to get there. The effort he put in to get there. What he had to go through. The spotlight that’s on him, and it’s not easy. I’m a fan of his.”
In New Orleans, they had already tried to get Murray back in February, and they had finally given up on the matter. But it was a phone call from Rich Paul, Murray's agent, that changed everything.
“Rich said to us, 'You should really try to get Dejounte Murray.' And we laughed. We told him we tried in February.” says David Griffin, the Pelicans' vice president. “We had been unable to find a common ground that worked for both parties. But when he told us that Dejounte was in favor of it, it was an eye-opener, and it was very important for us.”
