Pros for the Orlando Magic
Immediate two‑way upgrade at point guard. Murray brings consistent creation, on‑ball defense, and late‑game scoring, giving Orlando a true primary or co‑primary ball‑handler who can run the offense and take pressure off Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Better pick‑and‑roll execution and spacing. Murray’s ability to finish at the rim and hit pull‑up threes improves the Magic’s pick‑and‑roll efficiency and opens driving lanes for their wings and bigs.
Defensive versatility. Length and quickness on the perimeter allow Orlando to switch more effectively, contest opposing guards, and reduce opponent transition points — a tangible boost in playoff matchups.
Turnover to turnover value. Murray’s playmaking raises assist rates and late‑clock decision quality, which should increase offensive efficiency in clutch moments and improve overall team turnover-to-assist ratios.
Veteran leadership and playoff experience. Adding a proven, high‑usage guard helps stabilize rotations, mentor younger players, and signal a win‑now posture that can attract complementary veterans at the deadline.
Pros for the Pelicans (Assuming New Orleans receives young, controllable pieces, draft capital, or salary relief in the swap.)
Stockpile of youth and draft capital. Trading Murray for young players and picks accelerates a retool: the Pelicans gain flexible assets they can develop, flip, or use to rebuild around Zion/Brandon if they choose a different long‑term direction.
Cap and timeline flexibility. Moving an expensive guard can create salary room or reduce luxury tax exposure, giving New Orleans more maneuverability in free agency or to pursue a different roster construction.
Defensive and positional balance via incoming pieces. If the return includes length, wings, or a defensive big, the Pelicans can address roster holes (rim protection, wing defense) while preserving core scoring options.
Optionality to reshape the roster. Draft picks and young contracts let the front office choose between development, trade packages for a star, or targeted veteran upgrades without being locked into a single path.