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Bucks Could Acquire Former LeBron James Teammate to Help Giannis Antetokounmpo

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 2:22 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks have won only one postseason series since winning the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns.

After the Bucks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of this year's playoffs, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo was open-minded about leaving Milwaukee for the first time in his career.

However, Antetokounmpo is not expected to request a trade from the Bucks, who will be aggressively exploring options in free agency and trades to complement The Greek Freak, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN.

Since Damian Lillard could miss the entire 2025-26 season recovering from his left Achilles tendon tear, the Bucks need to acquire a point guard this offseason.

With that said, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report thinks Milwaukee could sign Brooklyn Nets unrestricted free agent D'Angelo Russell.

"Russell is a talented scorer and capable shooter, but he has remained a journeyman throughout his career," Pincus wrote. "The Nets may pay him simply to reach the minimum team salary (projected to be $139.2 million), but that might be designed to turn his contract around as a tradable asset.

"Otherwise, he's probably facing a pay cut, and if he can't get a team to give him the full NTMLE, he may have to settle for the TMLE with a team in need of a lead guard who can shoot the three.

"Prediction: Perhaps the Milwaukee Bucks step up with the best offer at the TMLE (Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception)."

Russell has played with several stars during his career, most notably Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The lefty has career averages of 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists.

A one-time All-Star, Russell played for the Lakers and Nets this season. He averaged 12.6 points and 5.1 assists.

The 29-year-old Russell has played for the Lakers (twice), Nets (twice), Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. He's a career 36.5% shooter from 3.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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