The Milwaukee Bucks face a challenging summer, needing to strengthen their roster after a lackluster 2023-24 season, which ended with a disappointing first-round playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers.
However, their options are limited. They might need to trade one of their core players like Brook Lopez or Khris Middleton or sacrifice their depth and draft picks, as they lack cap space for significant free-agent signings beyond veteran minimum contracts.
Despite these constraints, they could still add a starting-caliber player via trade. One of the best fits would be Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks.
Murray was available at the trade deadline, but the Hawks held onto him after failing to find a suitable offer. With the Trae Young-Murray duo proving ineffective and holding the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Hawks have more incentive to rebuild, potentially opening the door for a trade with the Bucks for the 27-year-old combo guard.
A possible trade scenario might involve the Bucks offering their No. 23 pick this year and their unprotected 2031 first-round pick, which could intrigue the Hawks, given Milwaukee might not be a contender by then. Additionally, the rebuilding Hawks could be interested in Andre Jackson Jr., who showed promise in his rookie season. Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton would be included as salary fillers, with Portis offering shooting and floor-spacing that could benefit any team or be moved for additional assets later.
While this might not be the best offer the Hawks receive if they make Murray available, it is competitive. The Bucks should pursue it aggressively, as a Damian Lillard-Dejounte Murray backcourt would be too enticing to pass up.
