3 Milwaukee Bucks likeliest to be involved in any potential Dejounte Murray trade

Pat Connaughton

Similar to Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton's decently sized contract would be needed if the Bucks were to make a big move before the trade deadline. The 31-year-old guard is making $9.4 million for the 2023-24 NBA season. Combined, the two salaries would allow Milwaukee to take back Murray, but that surely would not be the entire deal.

The difference between Connaughton and Portis is that the former is having a much tougher go of it this season. He's been in a mighty slump, and that's a hefty contract for a player who is having one of his least-productive seasons to date. If enough draft capital is attached, a team might be more willing to take on his contract, which extends another season beyond this one.

If the Hawks aren't high on taking back Connaughton in a deal, perhaps the Washington Wizards may be of assistance. According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Wizards have trade exceptions they will look to utilize by taking on salary dumps from other teams for the right offer. It wouldn't be overly surprising if something like this went down in a trade for Murray due to all of the moving parts.

Once again, Connaughton is another player who earned fan-favorite status after helping the Bucks win it all in back 2021, but if the team has a chance to land a major upgrade, they have to try, even if it means they have to include him. That is especially true with how much the veteran guard has been struggling this season.