Dejounte Murray trade looks significantly better for Hawks after the Olympics

The Atlanta Hawks traded Dejounte Murray this offseason. It was clear their All-Star backcourt pairing did not work as the franchise missed the playoffs in 2024. Atlanta decided to keep Ice Trae and build around him. The Hawks got Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller, E.J. Liddell, and two first-round draft picks for Murray. Some questioned the return (subscription required), but Daniels is already making people rethink that.

The 6’8 guard struggled to get a starting role in New Orleans. He averaged 5.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 22.3 minutes per game last season. Daniels rated above league average by win shares per 48 minutes, but his defense is ahead of his offensive game at this stage. The Pels have C.J. McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy all competing for minutes, which makes playing a young guard problematic.

The 21-year-old filled a key role for Australia in the 2024 Olympics where he showcased he could be a strong fit next to Trae Young in Atlanta. The Hawks certainly wanted the draft capital, but Daniels could be the piece that pushes this trade into a win for the Hawks.

Dyson Daniels making the Dejounte Murray trade look better for the Hawks

Trae Young is an elite playmaker and offensive creator, but his defense is problematic. It is why Atlanta has struggled to build a consistent winner around him. The Hawks envisioned Murray as a defensive stopper and secondary creator, but it just never worked.

Daniels drew the toughest defensive assignments and showed a needed versatility for the Boomers in Paris. His Australian teammates were effusive with their praise, including NBA veteran Joe Ingles calling Daniels “elite at what he does”. Having a 6’8 guard next to Ice Trae capable of defending the opposition's top scorers is something Atlanta has been missing.

Daniels averaged 8.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 26.9 minutes per game over their four Olympic contests. Australia went 1-3, but lost to Canada, Greece, and Serbia, who all made the top eight. Daniels shot 48.1 percent from the field and made five of his 13 3-point attempts. He is not an elite scorer, but his playmaking, defense, and rebounding can help his team win.

The 21-year-old is years away from his prime. He went from barely playing for Australia at the 2023 World Cup to being one of their most important players just one year later at the Olympics. Daniels has plenty of untapped potential and will continue improving.

Dyson Daniels will get plenty of opportunities this season. Can he become a key defender and playmaker for the Atlanta Hawks? Time will tell, but the franchise has no regrets about acquiring him after the Olympics. Daniels could be the perfect fit next to Trae Young if his shooting improves. Do not rule anything out for the 21-year-old.

Dejounte Murray may reach new heights in New Orleans, but things were not working in Atlanta. Getting Daniels and multiple draft picks could turn into a massive win for the franchise, but only time will tell how it all shakes out.