Do the Bucks have another surprising trade in them?
During the offseason, Milwaukee stunned everyone by winning the Damian Lillard sweepstakes. Now, the franchise is "among multiple teams" registering interest in Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, per Chris Haynes of NBA on TNT.
Lillard, Murray, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez would pack quite a punch, but how realistic of a destination are the Bucks for Murray?
Let's take a closer look.
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Can the Bucks trade for Dejounte Murray?
Could the Bucks acquire Murray? Yes. Are they a realistic trade destination? Not really.
Let's assume Lillard, Middleton, Antetokounmpo and Lopez are off the table. (If you're wondering why: Lillard to Murray would be a downgrade, Middleton provides crucial shooting and secondary playmaking, Antetokounmpo is Antetokounmpo and Lopez remains one of the best defenders in the NBA. Trading one of them for Murray wouldn't make a whole lot of sense for the Bucks.)
If that's the case, the only way the Bucks can realistically match Murray's salary is by building a trade around a package around Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton. And it's not like they can sweeten the deal with draft picks — all they can currently offer are two second-round picks.
Milwaukee's best offer would likely be along the lines of Portis, Connaughton, MarJon Beauchamp and two second-round picks for Murray.
It's been reported that the Hawks are looking for "at least" two first-round picks for Murray. The fit between him and Trae Young might not be working out, but Murray is still a one-time All-Star in the prime of their career who has been good for 20.8 points, 7.0 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game over the last three seasons. It's hard to believe this is the best offer the Hawks can get for him.
Murray isn't even on a bad contract. He signed a four-year, $114.1 million extension in the offseason that includes a $30.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season, by which point he'll be 31 years old.
Never say never in the NBA, but this seems unlikely.
