After originally requesting a trade to the Miami Heat, NBA All-Star guard Damian Lillard has found a new home with the Milwaukee Bucks.
BREAKING: The Portland Trail Blazers are trading guard Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/FRgQyDVjQG
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 27, 2023
Damian Lillard Traded to The Milwaukee Bucks
Trade Details
The trade comes after uneventful talks between the Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers stalled. There was also speculation that a sleeper team like the Toronto Raptors would swing a trade. Ultimately, former Bucks NBA Finals counterparts the Phoenix Suns became the third party in this trade.
Full trade details per Adrian Wojnarowksi:
– The Bucks get Damian Lillard.
– Blazers acquire Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 unprotected first-round pick from Milwaukee, and unprotected swap rights with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030.
– Suns add Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, Keon Johnson, and Grayson Allen.
Giannis Gets a Second Star
Giannis Antetokounmpo should be happy with the Bucks haul in this trade. Despite losing Holiday and the defense he brings, Milwaukee now has a second star to take some of the offensive load off of Antetokounmpo. The Bucks want to win now and are betting that Lillard helps get them back atop the Eastern Conference.
Portland’s Plan
Portland not only added Ayton, but the Blazers are also looking to move Holiday. They are committing to their young core of guards; Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe. The first-round picks, along with Ayton, and whatever comes back in a Holiday trade, could set the Trail Blazers up with a chance to build a contender in the next few years.
The Sun Sets on Ayton’s Time in Phoenix
Phoenix finally parts ways with the disgruntled Ayton, who gets a fresh start with this young Portland core. The Suns will hope that Nurkic can stay healthy and play a supporting role to Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Overall, it was a big blow for many Heat fans. Miami was expected by many to be the new team for Lillard. However, this is a big win for the Bucks faithful as they prepare for a second title run.
