Former Bucks trade target could be available if Pelicans expert is correct

Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray was a name linked to the Milwaukee Bucks at the trade deadline, back when, laughably in retrospect, it seemed like they might be buyers. No big splash came, however, and Murray remained in New Orleans to finish out the season. 

Now, per team expert Chris Lambert of Pelican Debrief, the veteran guard should be available again this summer. Should the Bucks be interested? Probably not, but don't be surprised if old rumors reignite. 

Targeting Murray would only make sense on one condition 

The 29-year-old guard returned from an Achilles injury this season to average 16.7 points in 14 games, plus 5.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.6 steals. He shot 48.4 percent from the field and 30.6 percent on threes. 

Those are solid numbers, with much improved efficiency compared to Murray's first season in New Orleans (he shot just 39.3 percent in 2024-25). 

Where the Bucks stand now, though, out of the playoffs and staring down a rebuild, they shouldn't be moved. Still without control of their own first-round pick until 2031, they can't afford to burn precious draft capital on a player of sub-All-Star caliber (Murray made his only All-Star Game in 2021-22, with the Spurs).

 Milwaukee may not even be in the market for veteran talent at all. A Giannis Antetokounmpo trade could trigger a roster-wide fire sale. 

On the other hand, if the Bucks beat the odds and somehow convince Giannis to stick around, they will be back in the familiar position of needing to upgrade the roster around him. At the right price, Murray might be back on the table. 

Pelicans' demands would need to align with Murray's sell-low stock

From a Pelicans perspective, Lambert makes a strong case for moving Murray. Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears looks like an organizational cornerstone. He finished the season with three straight games of 36-plus points. 

As Lambert writes, "it would be disrespectful to have him still be a backup next season. The best way for the Pelicans to have a quick, effective rebuild is to let the young guys rock, and to do that, clearing out the guard room is necessary." 

Murray's Achilles injury is also a concern. The recovery process held him out until late February 2026. Over the past two seasons, he has played just 45 games. The good news is that he came back and was still productive. Whether he can return to his 2023-24 form with the Hawks is another question. 

The Pelicans have every reason to find a trade partner for Murray, but a high asking price may put the Bucks off his trail, even if they become buyers. Murray is owed $63.5 million in guaranteed money over the next two years, with a player option in 2027-28. Given his recent injury and contract, sacrificing this year's first-round pick, likely a Top 10 selection, would be a blunder.

That's especially true when they could bring back Kevin Porter Jr., who actually put up better numbers this season, at a much cheaper price point. 

We'll see. Bucks fans know general manager Jon Horst isn't afraid to pull all kinds of levers. These days, many wish he hadn't been so eager to meet Giannis' demands in offseasons past, gutting the future for a mediocre future. If Murray hits the market and the Greek Freak is still here, however, there's a good chance Horst puts in a call. 

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