Damian Lillard may have just found himself in a situation safer than the Miami Heat. The trade has finally happened and the point guard has been paired up with the 2021 NBA Champions, the Milwaukee Bucks. This team is extremely strong by itself and the addition of Lillard could help win a title within the next few years.
The Bucks somehow managed to facilitate this trade without losing much. Obviously, Jrue Holiday was a major defensive cornerstone for them, but they received one of the best scorers in the league in return. Lillard also has good defensive capabilities as well. The package also included Grayson Allen and a few first-round picks.
FULL TRADE DETAILS:
Bucks receive:
Damian LillardBlazers receive:
Jrue Holiday
Deandre Ayton
Toumani Camara,
2029 1st-round pick
2 pick swaps.Suns receive:
Jusuf Nurkic
Grayson Allen
Nassir Little
Keon JohnsonWOW! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/941dK0Rl6A
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 27, 2023
The Phoenix Suns also helped pitch in as they shipped Deandre Ayton and Toumani Camara to the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton and the Suns had a few rocky seasons recently which led to him being traded. Phoenix snagged Allen from Milwaukee via Portland and was offered Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little as well as Keon Johnson. The Suns had eyes on Nurkic for a while as he has more consistency on the court when compared to Ayton.
Magic Johnson’s predictions for the 2023-24 season after Damian Lillard trade
Magic Johnson seemed pretty excited about the Damian Lillard trade that took place a few hours ago. He immediately took to X and detailed how the Bucks, Suns, and Blazers benefited from the trade. First, he said, “What a blockbuster NBA trade! Damian Lillard is heading to the Milwaukee Bucks, making them the favorite in the Eastern Conference.” He also believes that the Blazers have received good assets to build around in Holiday and Ayton.
What a blockbuster NBA trade! Damian Lillard is heading to the Milwaukee Bucks, making them the favorite in the Eastern Conference.
https://twitter.com/MagicJohnson/status/1707110461575999841?t=ytmbdk8zvHcOcBKpRKmTtw&s=19— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 27, 2023
However, while speaking about this Western Conference and the Suns, he had a bit of a biased take. Johnson said, “The Phoenix Suns got a lot better and a much deeper roster… The Lakers are the best in the West followed by Phoenix and Denver behind them.” He added, “My bold pick for the West is the Lakers and Phoenix Suns will be playing in the Western Conference Finals and the Lakers will win!”
My bold pick for the West is the Lakers and Phoenix Suns will be playing in the Western Conference Finals and the Lakers will win!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 27, 2023
Johnson was right in stating it was a bold pick. However, the Los Angeles Lakers are also a major contender for the title next season. It’s there as powerful as it can be especially if LeBron James and Anthony Davis stay healthy throughout the season.
Both conferences have become extremely competitive. The East features an upgraded Boston Celtics and a hungry Miami Heat team. The West features teams such as the Suns, Denver Nuggets, and Dallas Mavericks. Johnson picking the Bucks from the East might be a subtle jab at the Celtics, his rivals from the 80s.