With the NBA trade deadline being less than three weeks away, the rumors have been flying all over the league. Notably, Atlanta Hawks Dejounte Murray has been a popular name thrown around in team scenarios, including the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks Reportedly Interested in Murray
The latest rumors and reports come from Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and the NBA on TNT, who have said that the Milwaukee Bucks are a team with interest in the 2022 All-Star player.
Per Haynes, the “Milwaukee Bucks are among multiple teams who are registering interest in trading for Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray…”
Milwaukee Bucks are among multiple teams who are registering interest in trading for Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/vlWUIMDPIp
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 19, 2024
Currently, Murray is in his second season with the Hawks where he’s averaging 20.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 47.7% from the field and 41.0% from the three-point range in just 28 games. The Hawks have gotten off to a slow start this season, only holding a 17-23 record in their first 40 games, their most recent win coming thanks to a buzzer-beater by Murray against the Orlando Magic.
Trade Options
The trading options for the Bucks that’ll bring Atlanta a good value in return are kind of slim. Milwaukee used their good trade options when they traded Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard this offseason, so there really isn’t a lot to offer from the Bucks unless somehow a three-team trade is possible.
If the Bucks were to make a trade happen, it’s likely more than one player would be involved. Players such as Bobby Portis, who’s been a fan-favorite over the years, has a $11.7 million salary that makes it easier to trade him off. He’s added a lot of value to Milwaukee since joining the team, but also has had his spurts of up and down.
Another option is Pat Connaughton. Connaughton has been in trade rumors by others for a while now, and many are unsure why the Bucks don’t just pull the trigger and see what they can get for him. He’s got a nice contract that’s tradeable as well ($9.4M), but has definitely found himself in a slump and prone to injury. If Milwaukee is able to trade him for a potential upgrade, I don’t see why they wouldn’t pursue the option.
AJ Green is also a name on the roster who could be included in trade deals. Green has proven to be one of Milwaukee’s better long-range shooters, but barely gets any playing time and with the team’s defense being a bit on the poor side, he doesn’t get the chance to display his talents as much as he’d like to.
Either way, interested or not, we will be keeping on an eye out for trade rumors, trade news or reports about the Milwaukee Bucks in the next three weeks.
For More Wisconsin Sports…
Follow me on Twitter at @sarahspooon and follow us at @WiSportsHeroics. You can also reach out to Sarah via email at sarahspooon@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! We cover the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers, and High School sports!
