The Milwaukee Bucks are no strangers to being in the center of trade rumors. Even after they won the NBA Championship in 2021, there were rumors swirling around that two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo might ask for a trade. Every year since 2018, it seems, there are always trade rumors about the Greek Freak.
This offseason, there have been numerous trade rumors involving Bucks players Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, and even Damian Lillard. Of these four players, the only one who is untouchable on the trade market this offseason is Lillard. The other three have been made available by the Bucks’ front office for any trade that could make the roster younger and more athletic, especially on defense.
Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Damian Lillard Is No Stranger to NBA Trade Rumors and Speculation
The Bucks, of course, acquired Lillard late last offseason in a trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trailblazers and Grayson Allen to the Phoenix Suns. Prior to that trade, though, Lillard was the subject of constant rumors for months.
Before Milwaukee swooped in and got the deal done under the radar, Lillard was expected to be traded to the Miami Heat, a team that he had made known was his preferred destination. However, Miami refused to meet the Trailblazers’ asking price and talks stalled.
The constant chatter surrounding Lillard was not easy for him to deal with, especially as he went through an unfortunate transition of separating from his wife and initiating divorce proceedings.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Damian Lillard Sticks Up for Phoenix Suns Forward Kevin Durant Amid Trade Talk
On the first night of the 2024 NBA Draft, it became known that the Houston Rockets were interested in trading for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant. While no deal got done, the trade chatter surrounding Durant has not stopped since that night.
Some of that chatter has included jokes about Durant, who has not played more than three seasons with a single team since he left the Oklahoma City Thunder. In response to one of these jokes, Durant posted the following on X (formerly Twitter):
Well check ball then https://t.co/4SNL1LbX9v
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) June 26, 2024
Lillard posted a screenshot of Durant’s post on his Instagram with the following message:
“We live in a sports world where fans/media talk down to/about some of the greatest… constantly smh.”
Lillard does have a point. Social media has given fans an access to players that they did not have before. The anonymity of a computer or phone screen also makes them more bold than they otherwise would be as well.
It has yet to be seen if the Suns (who are now coached by former Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer) will trade Durant.
That being said, there are sure to be plenty of rumors this offseason.
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