We’ve seen star duos find a lot of success in the NBA. A pair of elite players can carry a team far. With that said, putting the right duo together can be easier said than done.
Look at the Atlanta Hawks. They already had Trae Young on their roster. So, they acquired Dejounte Murray in hopes of assembling a star duo. Unfortunately, it seems that the pair is too collectively ball-dominant to lead a team together.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have their issues with their star duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. It’s been suggested that the Pelicans could end up choosing between them this summer. Could they send Williamson to the Hawks?
NBA Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Dejounte Murray, 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – ATL), 2031 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F Zion Williamson
What makes for an optimal duo? Talent comes first. A team wants to put together a pair of players who have enough collective talent to overwhelm their opponents.
On the other hand, they need to mesh. It’s one thing to have a pair of stars. If they don’t have complementary skill sets, it may be a moot point. In all likelihood, that’s what the Hawks were thinking when they landed Murray.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks Updates
After all, Young is a defensive liability. When the Hawks acquired Murray, he was seen as an elite defender. Should the Hawks pair Young with another subpar defender in Williamson?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Perhaps the Hawks weren’t thinking about this the right way. It may be wiser to pair Young with someone he fits with offensively. Even if that player is a weak defender, the Hawks could surround the duo with help on that end.
That would be the idea here. Sure, Young and Williamson are both subpar defenders. They also make sense on the offensive end. Williamson can be an elite play-finisher alongside Young.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks Updates
He also applies tremendous pressure on the rim. That will free up room for Young on the perimeter. If Atlanta can put the right defensive players around them, adding Williamson could put them back in the playoff picture. Should the Pelicans help them get there?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
There’s an entirely different concern with Williamson and Ingram. Ingram occasionally gets injured, and Williamson is frequently hurt. That may be why they’re said to be choosing between them.
If they value reliability, they’ll choose Ingram. Meanwhile, if New Orleans is trading Williamson, they’ll likely want to stay competitive. If this organization is rebuilding, they’ll want to move both Williamson and Ingram.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks Updates
This deal should keep them competitive. Murray is a strong playmaker who can hopefully find his previous defensive footing. Still, the Pelicans are also doing this deal for a pair of unprotected first. That could help them put their next star duo together.
