In a huge surprise for the NBA, star point guard Damian Lillard has been traded from the Portland Trailblazers to the Milwaukee Bucks. This report comes from Adrian Wojnarowski via Twitter, sending the NBA world into a frenzy.
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 Deal
Lillard signed with the Bucks as a part of a 3-team deal while Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 first-round pick, and two pick swaps go to the Blazers. The Phoenix Suns have acquired Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson. More details on pay are to come out soon, so stay tuned!
This comes as a shocker to NBA fans, as Damian Lillard was expected to go to the Miami Heat, who he said he, “Had his heart set on.” His agent, Aaron Goodwin, was told that his stance was “too aggressive”, and was told that any further comments about where Lillard wants to play from Goodwin would result in the star point guard being subject to discipline by the NBA.
Milwaukee Bucks NBA Champs?
This move will change the NBA significantly, with many key pieces for the Bucks gone elsewhere. But now, we get to see Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo on the same team! You can already see these two becoming the next big dynamic duo and the new face of the NBA. Milwaukee has been a favorite to go to the finals in recent years, and this may just put them over the top to be favorites to win it all once again.
Legacy in Portland
Although Bucks fans are ecstatic about this news, Blazers fans are on the opposite end of the spectrum. Lillard played with Portland for more than a decade, guiding them to the playoffs eight times. They never got past the conference finals, though, which may be the big reason Dame wanted out of Portland.
For Additional Content
Please go and follow me on Twitter @TaylorHartmaNFL for more sports news and updates. If you have any further personal questions or comments for Taylor, connect with him on Linkedin. For more Wisconsin sports updates, go to this site here!