In the midst of NBA trade rumors, Damian Lillard, the star of the Portland Trail Blazers, has become widely speculated to be traded this offseason. The whispers of a possible trade continue to get louder, with speculators drawing up potential landing spots should he choose to part ways with the Blazers, the only NBA team he’s ever represented. One of those landing spots among the Damian Lillard trade rumors could be the Milwaukee Bucks.
Unsurprisingly, Lillard seems to enjoy the uncertainty and the possibility of changing teams. A recent post on his Instagram showcased his trademark ‘Dame Time’ celebration, coupled with a simple caption of just three emojis – “♾⌚️🤫.” This served to only spur more Damian Lillard trade rumors, and a lot of fans took to the comments to react to the post.
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Most of the commenters wanted to know what this meant for the seven time NBA All-Star, and they had some fun as the trade rumors continued to mount Many interpreted it as a subtle hint for a change of scenery, urging him to request a trade, while others attempted to decipher the meaning behind the minimalist caption.
This came after another post of intrigue when an image of Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, both in Portland jerseys, appeared on the star’s Twitter. Could it be a hint of a desire to join forces with the Greek Freak?
Just last summer, Lillard, a six-time All-NBA player, penned a two-year, $121.77 million max veteran extension with the Trail Blazers. Having earned $42,492,492 this season, Lillard is set to receive $45,640,084 in 2023-24. Last off-season, he even activated his $48,787,676 player option with Portland for the 2024-25 season. Due to contract restrictions, any possible trade involving Lillard isn’t able to happen until July 9.
While the image in question may hint to the Milwaukee Bucks sending Antetokounmpo to Portland, Milwaukee seems as though they do not want to trade away their star. If the Damian Lillard trade rumors are true, and Lillard harbors hopes of playing alongside the two-time MVP, he might need to relocate to the Milwaukee Bucks. Antetokounmpo is committed to the Bucks till 2025-26, after signing a five-year, $228 million max veteran extension in 2020.
The daunting task for Bucks G.M., Jon Horst, would be to craft a suitable deal for the Blazers star. Packaging Jrue Holiday and/or Pat Connaughton, along with some form of draft pick compensation would be a starting point.
The Blazers’ G.M., Joe Cronin, might demand even more, and could even demand a first round pick. Given that Lillard, at 32, just concluded his most productive offensive season in his 11-year career, such a demand wouldn’t be outlandish. Still, if the Milwaukee Bucks want to win an NBA Championship, the price to acquire Lillard might be worth it.
1 Comment
Everyone wants to know what his message meant.
Because only illiterate morons write in emoji.