As it stands, the Milwaukee Bucks may need to improve their backcourt rotation by getting another guard. Among the options that can be considered during the 2024 offseason is Atlanta Hawks All-Star Dejounte Murray,
Murray entered the NBA as the San Antonio Spurs’ 29th overall pick in the 2016 Draft as part of a class that boasts Pascal Siakam, Jamal Murray, and Jaylen Brown. During his first year in the league, the point guard assumed the starting role from Tony Parker when he got injured in the second round against the Houston Rockets.
Although the Spurs advanced that year and eventually lost to the Golden State Warriors, Murray’s talent was clear from the start. He would play a total of five seasons for San Antonio with averages of 12.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
In 2022, the Atlanta Hawks acquired Murray from San Antonio to pair him up with All-Star guard Trae Young. The wisdom behind this move was to add a shot creator in the back court and a defensive guard to cover Young’s weaknesses on that end of the court. That move failed and the fit between them didn’t really lead to playoff success for the Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks Guard Dejounte Murray Projected As Milwaukee Bucks’ Trade Target in Offseason
After several months of being involved in trade rumors, there is now a strong chance Atlanta deals either Young or Murray in the offseason. In an article by Cem Yolbulan for Behind the Buck Pass, there are several reasons why getting the one-time All-Star makes sense for Milwaukee’s core of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
“The 27-year-old combo guard didn’t quite work out in Atlanta but he is still a valuable player. He has steadily improved his three-point shot, hitting a career-high 2.6 threes last season on 36.3% shooting. He can run a pick-and-roll, create shots for others, and score in a variety of ways.
Defensively, he is not the wrecking ball he used to be when he was in San Antonio but he is still an above-average option there, making him a good fit next to Lillard. He can take on the tough defensive assignments on the perimeter while Lillard can conserve his energy for the offensive end,” Yolbulan wrote.
As compared to the Bucks’ starting shooting guard Malik Beasley, Murray presents an upgrade on both offense and defense. This potential acquisition will give Milwaukee a more potent backcourt duo that can make the Greek Freak’s job easier for next season.
It remains to be seen which guard will Milwaukee go for in the offseason. In any case, the front office can’t go wrong if they choose to pursue Murray in the coming months.
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