Marc Stein reveals more details about the Bucks’ trade interest in D’Angelo Russell

As it is NBA trade deadline fast approaching, Milwaukee The Bucks have expressed interest in D’Angelo Russell of the Dallas Maverickswhich could be tied to a blockbuster deal centered around All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo, as reported by NBA Insider Marc Stein. For a player who hasn’t played since Dec. 27, Russell’s trade value is surprisingly higher than expected before the Feb. 5 deadline.

Bucks are supposedly interested in making a move for Russell, according to Stein.

“League sources say the Mavericks, on top of that, have actually generated unexpected interest in Russell — who has played in just one game since Dec. 27 — from the Bucks,” Stein said. “Until this week, when he began to take calls for Giannis Antetokounmpo more seriously than ever before, Milwaukee was on the lookout for potential roster additions to bolster Antetokounmpo’s supporting cast and considered Russell a potential target.

“Stein Line learned, however, that the Bucks were only interested in Russell if he was willing to decline his $6 million player option for next season to instead return to the Bucks next season at the veteran’s minimum. Rumor has it that Russell rejected that idea. The veteran’s minimum for players with at least 10 seasons of service was $3.6 million this season,” Mark Stein concluded.

Russell’s second and final year of his contract for next season is a player option worth $5.9 million.

D’Angelo Russell on the Bucks’ radar before the trade deadline

Despite that The Mavericks are saving D’Angelo Russell’s regular season with injuriesstill caught the Bucks’ attention before this year’s trade deadline. He moved ideal fit for the Bucks’ long-term plans, according to HoopsHipe’s Michael Scotto.

“The Bucks have discussed margin improvements with several of their veteran minimum players in various trade talks to acquire higher-paid players who fit them under the luxury tax, league sources told HoopsHipe,” Scotto reported. “The goal of these upgrades would be to either take a chance on a player with potential upside or to acquire draft capital to help the team shed salary.”

“With that in mind, Cam Thomas and D’Angelo Russell are both on Milwaukee’s radar contingent for other deals the Bucks are working on, league sources told HoopsHipe.”

Russell could be selected in a potential blockbuster deal centered around All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo.