@Poopadoop: It's a decent hypothesis. Does it actually bear fruit, though?
Compared to Hillary, Trump as president probably pays for itself in any costs to put him there.

What wheels need greasing, there? He's obviously on board for more open relations, which will be worth real $$$ to the Russians in trade deals and in the US not getting involved in their international shenanigans.

I'm not clear on the timeline, but he was saying stuff like, "Would it be so bad if the US and Russia were friends," on his campaign. That's pretty much a clear message that a Trump presidency will make life easier than a Hillary presidency. Again, that easiness is money. If the US isn't digging in its heels on every trade negotiation, that's money in Russia's coffers. If the US takes a non-involvement stance when Russia annexes the next Crimea, then that's a load of political pressure that doesn't have to be countered.

Clearly, I'm speculating, but I don't see any intelligent reason for the Russians to contact anyone in Trump's staff. It's not appropriate to assume intelligence, but this one seems like a clear shot to the foot to put anyone on the American side in a position of treason. The potential gains for doing so don't match potential losses if it's revealed.


@Banana: I did not speak about any motives of Trump or his staff. I spoke only about the motives the Russians may have had.

As someone who loves to call other's reading comprehension skills into question, you may wish take a moment to reflect on this.