An NBA writer is suggesting that the Milwaukee Bucks make a risky trade with the Los Angeles Lakers to get D’Angelo Russell. The following trade proposal was put forth by Lee Tran of Fadeaway World for the Bucks and Lakers:

D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2024 Second-Round Pick (LAC), 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC), and 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAL) are received by the Milwaukee Bucks.

In his most recent NBA trade column, Tran stated, “The Bucks are a team that could potentially use Russell and are one of the few teams that can potentially withstand his poor defense.” “He would provide the team with reliable shooting and scoring, and his ability to create opportunities for others could lead to more easy baskets for Giannis Antetokounmpo.” Khris Middleton has demonstrated in prior years that he is prone to injuries, therefore the squad also needs injury insurance.

“Russell is undoubtedly an improvement over Allen on the offensive end, and he could be a valuable regular-season player for the team.” Russell averaged 17.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in the previous campaign.

Russell was acquired by the Lakers from the Minnesota Timberwolves during the trade deadline in February 2023. In his 17 games with Los Angeles, the Ohio State product performed admirably, averaging 17.4 points and 6.1 assists while shooting 41.4% from three.

In the 2023 playoffs, Russell outperformed the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies in the first two rounds. In Game 6 against the Grizzlies, he scored an incredible 31 points while averaging 15.7 points and 5.0 assists.

But Russell’s performance against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals was so dismal that many NBA observers believed the Lakers had no right to re-sign him. As the Nuggets swept the Lakers, the lefty averaged 6.3 points and 3.5 assists while shooting 32.3% from the field and 13.3% from beyond the arc.

Despite his difficulties against the Nuggets, Russell was re-signed by the Lakers this summer via free agency. The Lakers have guaranteed Russell a new two-year contract worth $36 million. The deal includes $700,000 in incentives for each season that the former NBA All-Star plays. Russell also released his implicit no-trade provision, allowing for any trade destination.

Some NBA experts predict that the Lakers will try to trade Russell now that he has waived his no-trade clause.