‣ Paul Pierce suggested that Damian Lillard should ask for a trade to the Milwaukee Bucks, saying that they would be a good fit together.
‣ Tracy McGrady disagreed and believed that Milwaukee should not trade Jrue Holiday for Lillard, but would have traded Khris Middleton for him.
‣ Damian Lillard was eventually traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team deal with the Phoenix Suns, with Portland receiving multiple players and draft picks in return.
‣ Lillard is owed a significant amount of money over the next few seasons.
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NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce stirred up some trade speculation for Damian Lillard back in July. During a segment on Showtime Basketball, he suggested that Lillard should ask the Portland Trail Blazers for a trade to the Milwaukee Bucks. Pierce believed that teaming up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton would give Lillard a real shot at winning a championship.
However, not everyone agreed with Pierce’s take. Tracy McGrady, the former Orlando Magic guard, thought it would be a mistake for Milwaukee to trade Jrue Holiday. McGrady believed that Holiday’s presence was crucial for the team’s success. He did, however, express that he would have been willing to trade Middleton for Lillard.
Fast forward to last week and the unexpected happened. The Portland Trail Blazers granted Lillard’s wish by trading him to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team deal with the Phoenix Suns. Portland received a package that included Deandre Ayton, Holiday, Toumani Camara, and multiple future draft picks.
It’s a bold move for the Bucks, and one that has drastically changed the championship odds for both teams. With Lillard now on their roster, Milwaukee has become a top contender with the addition of a consistent scorer alongside Antetokounmpo. On the other hand, the Trail Blazers find themselves with low odds to win the 2024 championship, ranking 28th out of 30 teams.
There’s no doubt that Lillard’s talent comes with a hefty price tag. He is owed a staggering $216.2 million over the next four seasons, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NBA. Despite the financial implications, the Bucks are betting on Lillard’s ability to elevate their team and bring them closer to another championship.
It will be fascinating to see how this trade pans out and if Lillard can help bring a championship to Milwaukee. The NBA landscape has certainly shifted, and fans will be eagerly waiting to see how these new alliances play out on the court.
