The Milwaukee Bucks’ early playoff exit this year highlighted the need for an insurance policy, especially if the All-Star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are unavailable. This need points to the potential of trading for Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray in the offseason.
During the previous offseason, the Bucks’ front office went all out by acquiring All-Star guard Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for a package headlined by Jrue Holiday. Even though they compromised on defense, this move gave the team a credible closer and a talented player to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
While the pairing of Antetokounmpo and Lillard looked good on paper, it didn’t necessarily translate into a dominant run for the Bucks during the regular season. Even with both stars posting respectable numbers on a nightly basis, the team didn’t finish on top of the Eastern Conference by the time the playoffs started.
Along with coaching change that saw Doc Rivers assume the head coaching gig from Adrian Griffin, injuries also played a part in slowing Milwaukee down. By the time their first round series against the Indiana Pacers was in full swing, both Antetokounmpo and Lillard were unavailable, with the former suffering a calf strain while the latter tweaked his ankle in Game 2. Nevertheless, their absences and a regression in defense highlights the need for a player with Murray’s set of skills.
Main Reason Why Milwaukee Bucks Must Trade For Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray
Along with several prospects, such as Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso, Brooklyn Nets’ Dorian Finney-Smith, and New York Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson, Murray is projected to fit well in Milwaukee if the front office makes a move for him. In an article written by Michael Saenz for Sir Charles In Charge:
“In a vacuum, Murray seems like a good fit next to Damian Lillard in the backcourt. Murray is a better defender than Lillard is, and while he may not be an ideal off-ball offensive player, he is better than most give him credit on that end of the floor. In order for the Bucks to get a deal done for Murray this offseason, they’d have to get quite creative without the necessary assets that the Hawks are going to be looking for,” Saenz wrote.
With Murray on the team, Milwaukee gains an able backcourt partner for Lillard who can defend well and create his own shot on the floor. If needed, the Hawks star can also run the point if Dame is out. However, there may be concerns, particularly about his ability to play off the ball.
It remains to be seen whether Milwaukee will go for Murray in the offseason to improve the team. Nevertheless, the Bucks’ front office will surely be busy in trying to craft a roster that will be better than the one fans had this season.
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