Dejounte Murray has established himself as one of the most versatile point guards in the NBA, known for his exceptional defensive abilities, playmaking skills, and steady offensive contributions. Since his rookie season, he has become an integral player for every team he’s been a part of. As of the 2024-25 NBA season, Murray is taking his talents to the New Orleans Pelicans after a trade from the Atlanta Hawks, marking a new chapter in his career. In this article, we delve into the details of Murray’s contract, career earnings, his trade to the Pelicans, and the journey that has led him to this point in his NBA career.

What is Dejounte Murray’s Contract with the New Orleans Pelicans?

Dejounte Murray’s career took a significant turn in 2024 when the New Orleans Pelicans acquired him in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks. Before the trade, Murray had signed a four-year, $114,238,204 contract with the Hawks in 2023, which included $111,102,208 in guaranteed money and an average annual salary of $28,559,551. However, Murray was traded to the Pelicans before the 2024-25 season began, making New Orleans the latest chapter in his career.

As part of his new contract with the Pelicans, Murray will earn a base salary of $24,799,600 in the 2024-25 season. The trade was part of a deal where the Pelicans sent two first-round picks—one in 2025 via the Los Angeles Lakers and the other in 2027, the least favorable pick between the Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks—to Atlanta.

This trade represents a strategic move for the Pelicans, as they have been looking to build a more competitive roster with a stronger defensive presence and a player capable of contributing both offensively and defensively. Murray’s contract and skills align with New Orleans’ goals as they look to contend for a higher playoff seed in the tough Western Conference.

Who Got Traded from the Pelicans for Dejounte Murray?

The trade that brought Dejounte Murray to New Orleans was a bold move designed to improve the Pelicans’ chances of success. In exchange for the talented point guard, the Pelicans sent two first-round picks to the Atlanta Hawks, including one from the Los Angeles Lakers (in 2025) and another in 2027. The 2027 pick is particularly notable as it is the least favorable selection between the Pelicans’ pick and the Milwaukee Bucks’ pick, which could end up being a highly valuable asset for the Hawks in the future.

In addition to the draft picks, the Pelicans sent forward Larry Nance Jr., guard Dyson Daniels, and forward E.J. Liddell to Atlanta as part of the package. Nance and Daniels were both integral to New Orleans’ bench depth in recent seasons, while Liddell had shown promise as a young player. For the Hawks, this trade allowed them to build for the future with valuable young players and future first-round picks.

What Are the Contracts Signed by Dejounte Murray Over the Years?

Dejounte Murray was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft, and shortly after, he signed a standard four-year rookie scale contract worth $6.36 million. As a rookie, Murray focused on adapting to the NBA’s level of competition while honing his skills. His early years with the Spurs were pivotal in his development as a player, as he had the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, Gregg Popovich. During this time, Murray worked on refining his game, particularly his defense, which would later become one of his defining attributes.

In October 2019, as Murray’s potential became evident, he signed a five-year, $64 million rookie extension with the Spurs. This contract not only reflected his growth but also recognized his status as a starting point guard in the NBA. By this time, Murray had firmly established himself as a two-way player, excelling on both ends of the floor. His defensive prowess and ability to contribute offensively made him a key component of the Spurs’ plans. The extension solidified his place in San Antonio, and he became a cornerstone around which the team could continue to build its future.

After several successful seasons with the Spurs, Murray made a significant career move in the summer of 2023 when he signed a four-year, $114 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks. This deal marked a new chapter in his career, positioning him as one of the Hawks’ premier players. Murray’s arrival in Atlanta was seen as an important step for the team, as they sought to complement their star player, Trae Young, with another elite ball handler and two-way guard. However, despite only spending one season with the Hawks, Murray was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2024. This move continued his journey in the NBA, where he was expected to bring his defensive ability and playmaking to a promising Pelicans roster.

As of 2024, Dejounte Murray’s career earnings total approximately $59,948,525. This total includes the salary he earned during his time with the San Antonio Spurs, his extension with the Spurs, and the money from his contract with the Atlanta Hawks, which he signed in 2023 before being traded to the Pelicans.

Murray’s future with the Pelicans holds much promise, especially as the team looks to make a deeper playoff run with their young, talented roster. The Pelicans hope that pairing him with their existing stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram will bring them closer to contention, and Murray’s leadership and two-way impact will be a crucial factor in that quest.