Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard balling in 2021. Photo by Craig Mitchelldyer via AP Photo
In what feels like the largest blockbuster trade of the year, Damian Lillard is heading to the Bucks.
The trigger was pulled yesterday afternoon after the Portland Trail Blazers dealt their star player to Milwaukee. The All-Star guard will now pair up with Giannis Antetokounmpo as the Bucks try to win their second NBA championship in three years.
Trade Details
The move was made as part of a three-team trade involving the Phoenix Suns. Portland will receive players Jrue Holiday (who they plan to flip), Toumani Camara, Deandre Ayton, and a 2029 first-round draft pick from the Bucks. Meanwhile, Phoenix will receive players Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, Grayson Allen, and Keon Johnson.
In July, Lillard requested a trade from Portland after spending 11 seasons with them. During that span, he earned seven All-Star appearances and led the team to eight playoff appearances. However, the farthest the team went was the 2019 Western Conference Finals. After this, Portland began a rebuild, which Lillard did not want to be a part of. The Miami Heat were heavily rumored to be Lillard’s destination, but alas, that did not work out.
Goodbye, Portland
“I want to express my gratitude to Damian for 11 storied years with this franchise and for his loyalty to the Portland community,” said Blazers GM Joe Cronin. “From becoming the all-time leading points scorer in franchise history to his dedicated commitment to youth across Oregon and the entire Pacific Northwest, Damian is and will remain a titan and a true trailblazer to this city.”
“When you have the rare opportunity to pair one of the premier NBA players with a highly versatile roster that has lofty goals, you go for it,” Bucks GM Jon Horst said via a statement. “[Damian’s] character, competitiveness, talent, and experience complement our group and give us the best chance to win at the very highest level as we create new memories together.”
Dynamic Duo
The 33-year-old Lillard will no doubt make his mark on the Bucks franchise. Paired with Giannis, the Bucks have already jumped to 4-1 odds to win the 2024 NBA Finals. They were previously the fourth favorite according to various sportsbooks, and now, they are first.
The Bucks will begin the season on October 26 at home against the 76ers. The day could mark the beginning of the Dynamic Duo era in Milwaukee.
