Damian Lillard has been the talk of the town for the last month or so. The main reason for that would be his trade request to leave the Portland Trail Blazers after 11 years. The superstar entered the league in 2012, after being picked as the sixth overall pick. Since then, Lillard has arguably been the Blazers’ best player and cemented his place as one of the franchise greats.
It would be highly likely that Dame requested to leave after a series of failures with the team. He remains as one of the most talented guards in NBA history to have never won an NBA championship ring. This was the reasoning behind his wish to leave and ultimately join the Miami Heat. Dame had been adamant about teaming up with Jimmy Butler and Co. in Florida, but things have taken a huge turn right now.
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
NBA insiders recently reported that Damian Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, which is home to the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks fanbase would be ecstatic to have Dame in Milwaukee, especially after their shortcomings since the 2021 championship win.
All the players involved in the Damian Lillard-Milwaukee Bucks trade
Reports in the last few weeks have mentioned that there will be more than two teams involved in a trade for Dame. That has proven to be the case right now, as multiple outlets claim that Lillard has been moved in a three-team trade.
The Phoenix Suns, who have built quite the star-studded team this offseason, have thrown their name into the mix as well. They were one of the teams to enter the race for Dame at the end, but it looks like they have made a huge change to their roster.
Milwaukee Bucks receive
- Damian Lillard
Phoenix Suns receive
- Jusuf Nurkic
- Grayson Allen
- Nassir Little
- Keon Johnson
Portland Trail Blazers receive
- Jrue Holiday
- Deandre Ayton
- Toumani Camara
- 2029 first-round pick
- two pick swaps
The Suns have finally decided to let go of Deandre Ayton, who has quite the rollercoaster of a ride in Arizona. His time with the Suns fans came to a bitter end, especially after how last season ended. However, that means the Blazers have received quite the player, after letting Jusuf Nurkic leave. That will be a direct replacement at center for Joe Cronin’s team.
The potential new-look Bucks 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ADFZ1DnUB3
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 27, 2023
The Bucks could potentially line up Dame alongside Giannis, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis. One might believe that this is an aging starting five that could have a new look in the next few months. With that said, the Bucks are sure to be one of the favorites for the Larry O’Brien trophy now, considering they have one of the best shooters in the league.