The New Orleans Pelicans are sitting on a crowded backcourt, and at some point this season, that depth could turn into trade capital. One name that’s starting to pop up in league chatter again is Dejounte Murray - and not just in passing. According to recent reports, the Milwaukee Bucks have expressed interest in a number of high-level guards, and Murray is among them.
Let’s unpack what that means.
Milwaukee is in win-now mode - and with Giannis Antetokounmpo in his prime, that’s exactly where they should be. The Bucks are reportedly going “big-game hunting” ahead of the trade deadline, eyeing players who can help them contend right now. Names like Zach LaVine, Jerami Grant, Andrew Wiggins, Marcus Smart, and Murray have all been mentioned as potential targets.
While some of that interest dates back to when Murray was still with the Atlanta Hawks, the Bucks’ continued need for a versatile, two-way guard keeps the door open. And with Murray now in New Orleans - and still working his way back from injury - the Pelicans might be more open to listening than they were when they first made the deal.
Let’s not forget: New Orleans paid a hefty price to land Murray. That trade sent Dyson Daniels, E.J.
Liddell, Larry Nance Jr., Cody Zeller, and two first-round picks to Atlanta. But that was under a different front office, and the current regime may view Murray’s future with the franchise through a different lens - especially if they can recoup some value and add assets in return.
So far, Murray’s stint in New Orleans has been limited. He’s suited up for just 31 games, averaging 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and two steals per game.
The efficiency hasn’t been there - 39.3% from the field, 29.9% from three - and his season was cut short by an Achilles injury on January 31. He’s still rehabbing, but the hope is he’ll return before the February 5 trade deadline.
That timing matters. If Murray can get back on the floor in early January, he’ll have a few weeks to show teams - including Milwaukee - that he’s healthy and still capable of being a difference-maker. That’s critical for any potential deal.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, are moving forward with a new-look backcourt. Jeremiah Fears has emerged as the team’s point guard of the future, and Herb Jones has locked down the starting shooting guard spot.
Neither is going anywhere. That leaves Murray in a bit of a limbo - potentially coming off the bench next to Jordan Poole if he sticks around.
That’s not a bad pairing on paper, but it’s also not a long-term solution. And for a 29-year-old veteran like Murray, who still has trade value when healthy, New Orleans may decide that flipping him for future assets or a better roster fit is the smarter play.
There’s no guarantee a deal gets done. But as the deadline approaches, and as teams like the Bucks look to load up for a playoff push, Murray’s name is one worth watching. If he can get back on the court and show flashes of the All-Star-caliber guard he’s been in the past, the Pelicans might find themselves with a valuable trade chip - and a decision to make.