Report: Bucks could renew trade interest in Pelicans’ Dejounte Murray

The Bucks continue to look for ways to improve the roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo, even if their options are limited.

Milwaukee doesn’t have the assets to chase true superstar trades, so the focus has shifted to a more familiar lane. Good players with some level of risk, whether that’s related to health, fit, or contract structure.

One name that could resurface is Dejounte Murray of the Pelicans, per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.

The Bucks previously showed interest in Murray during his time with both San Antonio and Atlanta, and league sources have continued to link them to guards who can handle the ball, defend, and take pressure off Antetokounmpo, Fischer writes. Murray checks those boxes, assuming he looks like himself.

Murray is expected to make his season debut at some point in January as he returns from a torn Achilles tendon suffered late last season. If he shows he can regain form, he could draw interest from teams looking to buy low on upside.

New Orleans has some flexibility in the backcourt, with rookie Jeremiah Fears starting and Jose Alvarado serving as the primary reserve, which could make the Pelicans more open to listening.

Financially, Murray earns $30.8 million this season and is owed $32.8 million next year, with a $30.7 million player option for 2027-28. It’s not a small commitment, but for a Bucks team searching for workable upgrades rather than perfect ones, Murray fits the profile.