The New York Knicks have a big game coming up on Saturday when they host a surging Milwaukee Bucks side that has won six straight games. The Knicks are coming off back-to-back losses and will want to get a win against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. before they take the court again in a rematch on Christmas Day.

New York, however, has bigger fish to fry, so to speak, as they look toward the rest of the season as well as what they’re hoping will be an extended postseason run.

New York Knicks Linked to Dejounte Murray Ahead of Milwaukee Bucks Showdown

Currently at 16-11, the Knicks are fifth in the East. They are 4.5 games behind the 21-7 Bucks and are a full five games behind the top-seeded Boston Celtics.

At this point, it’s safe to say that New York will need to make some improvements to their roster if they’re serious about contending against the best in the East. One player that is now rumored to be on their radar is Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray. This report comes via NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype:

“The Knicks are among several teams who’ve expressed exploratory trade interest in Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto reported.

Damian Lillard, Bucks

Murray recently signed a four-year $120 million extension with the Hawks this summer, but it appears that he could be available at the right price. Atlanta is struggling again this season, which could prompt the front office to blow it all up prior to the trade deadline.

Dec 5, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York forward Julius Randle (30) drives to the basket against Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
As the report notes, however, this is not going to be a one-horse race in favor of the Knicks. Several other teams are surely going to be interested in the services of Murray should he be available.

In 27 games played for the Hawks this season, the 6-foot-5 guard is averaging 20.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.5 steals, while also knocking down 2.3 triples per game on a 37.4-percent clip.