Damian Lillard gets traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a 3 Team Deal
posted by Zaire Jones | October 2, 2023 | In News, SportsAfter almost three months of requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard has a new home. Although, the destination comes as a bit of a surprise due to the previous reports.
The deal is Lillard goes to Milwaukee Bucks, and Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Milwaukee’s 2029 first-round pick and unprotected swaps in 2028 and 2030 go to the Blazers. Additionally, Jursuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, Grayson Allen and Keon Johnson to the Phoenix Suns.
The seven-time all-star requested a trade from the Blazers after the Blazers couldn’t meet the requests of Lillard in free agency. Lillard had only requested to be traded to one place, the Miami Heat. The Miami Heat are coming off the most magical finals run in recent years, so it was no shock that Lillard wanted to go to South Beach. Another incentive was that Damian Lillard is good friends with Heat center Bam Adebayo.
As the summer went along, the Heat were trying to get into negotiations with the Portland Trail Blazers, but the Blazers did not want to. The Heat were initially offering guard Tyler Herro, a couple of first round picks and another young player. The Blazers instantly declined, so they were at a standstill for about 2 months.
As of last week, teams started to become interested in trading for Lillard, despite Lillard only wanted to play for the Miami Heat. The Toronto Raptors were very interested in Lillard, but would not trade any of their young guys. An offer was on the table, but Lillard rejected playing for the Raptors. So then from out of nowhere the Milwaukee Bucks came in a deal to get the trade done.
It was reported multiple times that Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo would leave if the Bucks did not improve the roster. The Bucks took this seriously and went dark about this trade as, with the help of the Suns, the trade was finalized on the afternoon of Sept. 27.
Lillard joins Antetokounmpo as one of the scariest duos in the NBA. With an acquisition like this, the Bucks have put themselves in prime form to contend not only in the East, but a championship
Photo courtesy of Michael Tipton
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