The Milwaukee Bucks already felt they had a roster that rivaled the best teams in the Eastern Conference, thanks to the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo. But when an All-NBA talent like Damian Lillard became available, it was no surprise to see Bucks GM Jon Horst spring into action to ensure the Bucks were an NBA Finals contender.
While there were bumps and bruises in the beginning, so far, the early returns have been promising for the Bucks, entering NBA games today as the second-best team in the East. While the Bucks are already good, they want to be great, and there’s one player on the trade block who may be able to help.
Milwaukee Bucks rumors point to Dejounte Murray trade
When the Milwaukee Bucks pulled off the Damian Lillard trade, it cost them five-time All-Defensive point guard Jrue Holiday, who was also the second-leading scorer on the team. While Lillard has replaced Holiday’s contributions in the scoring column, the Bucks could still use more perimeter defense.
One player who may be able to help is former All-Defensive point guard Dejounte Murray, who has recently been the subject of several trade rumors despite landing with the Atlanta Hawks in 2022.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Bucks are one of “multiple” teams interested in trading for Murray ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline.
Murray, 27, is in the final year of his contract in Atlanta and has struggled to live up to expectations since switching to shooting guard to play alongside Trae Young. While he’s still posting strong numbers, it just hasn’t led to any more success in the win column for the Hawks.
- Dejounte Murray’s stats this season: 21 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.8 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 47% FG, 38.3% 3PT
While Murray would seemingly be a great piece for the Bucks to target, coming up with the appropriate trade offer may be difficult for a team with just two tradeable draft picks, both second-round selections.
However, if the Hawks or a third team would have interest in adding Bobby Portis ($11.7M) and Pat Connaughton ($9.4M), the Bucks would appear to at least have the salaries to meet the NBA’s trade rules to make a deal for Murray ($18.2M) work.
Related: NBA MVP race: Where does Giannis Antetokounmpo rank?