The Milwaukee Bucks have struggled to advance deep in the playoffs since their 2021 championship victory over the Phoenix Suns, winning only one postseason series in the interim. After an early first-round loss to the Indiana Pacers this year, reports surfaced that star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo might be open to leaving Milwaukee for the first time in his NBA career. Despite this, Antetokounmpo is not expected to formally seek a trade, while the Bucks prepare to actively pursue options in free agency and trades to support their franchise player.
Point Guard Vacancy Spurs Interest in D’Angelo Russell
With Damian Lillard likely sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season due to a left Achilles tendon injury, the Bucks find themselves needing a reliable point guard for the upcoming season. D’Angelo Russell, currently an unrestricted free agent from the Brooklyn Nets, has emerged as a primary target. Observers believe the Bucks could offer Russell a contract using the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (TMLE), positioning him to fill the lead guard role and support Giannis’s championship aspirations.
D’Angelo Russell’s Career and Fit with Milwaukee
At 29 years old, Russell has built a reputation as a skilled scorer and proficient shooter, especially from beyond the arc where he maintains a 36.5% career three-point shooting percentage. Over his career, he has played for teams including the Lakers, Nets, Warriors, and Timberwolves, bringing experience alongside numerous NBA stars such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Anthony Edwards. A one-time All-Star, Russell averaged 12.6 points and 5.1 assists in the most recent season.
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report highlighted Russell’s potential value:
“Russell is a talented scorer and capable shooter, but he has remained a journeyman throughout his career,”
Pincus wrote, adding that the Nets might keep Russell under contract mainly to meet salary floor requirements before making him a tradable asset.
“Prediction: Perhaps the Milwaukee Bucks step up with the best offer at the TMLE (Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception).”
Implications for the Bucks’ Future with Giannis Antetokounmpo
By targeting a player like D’Angelo Russell, the Bucks aim to fill a critical gap left by Lillard’s injury and add a reliable shooting threat to their lineup. This move aligns with their broader strategy to reinforce the team around Giannis Antetokounmpo without risking a trade request from their franchise cornerstone. The ability to sign or potentially trade for Russell could provide Milwaukee the necessary depth and perimeter scoring to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
As the Bucks prepare for free agency and possible trades, their decisions in this offseason will be closely watched, with the future of Giannis and the team’s championship hopes intertwined. Enhancing their backcourt might be key to returning to playoff prominence and sustaining their title ambitions.