‣ Damian Lillard is being traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team deal that involves Deandre Ayton going to Portland and Jrue Holiday going to Milwaukee.
‣ Other teams that were interested in acquiring Lillard included the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves.
‣ The Bucks now have the potential to challenge the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference with Lillard joining Giannis Antetokounmpo on the roster.
Lillard goes Milwaukee as part of a 3-team deal with Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 unprotected MIL 1st, and unprotected MIL swap rights in 2028 and 2030 to Blazers. Phoenix lands Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn)
Details
The NBA world was left in shock as news broke of a blockbuster three-team trade involving the Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Phoenix Suns. The Trail Blazers decided to part ways with star point guard Damian Lillard, sending him to the Bucks. In return, Portland received a package centered around big man Deandre Ayton and guard Jrue Holiday. Additional pieces in the trade include Toumani Camara, a 2029 unprotected first-round draft pick, and unprotected Milwaukee swap rights in 2028 and 2030.
The trade also had an impact on the Suns, who acquired Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson. This unexpected move had many NBA fans reeling, as the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors were believed to be the favorites to land Lillard prior to the trade. The Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls were also mentioned as potential suitors.
Before the trade, the Milwaukee Bucks were seen as contenders for next season’s championship, but not as favorites. However, with the addition of Lillard, they now have a strong case to be considered among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks’ odds to win the championship have surely improved, potentially even surpassing teams like the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, and Phoenix Suns in terms of betting favorites.
The trade also had financial implications, as Lillard is now owed a substantial amount of money over the next four seasons. With a contract worth $216.2 million, Lillard will earn $45.64 million next season and his salary will increase to $63.2 million by 2026-27. This shows the Bucks’ commitment to building a championship-caliber team around Lillard and their willingness to invest in their star players.
As for the Bucks’ other star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, it is expected that he will soon sign a contract extension. Antetokounmpo, who was the unanimous All-NBA First Team selection last season, earned $42.49 million and is set to make $45.64 million in the upcoming season. The Bucks’ decision to acquire Lillard further solidifies their commitment to Antetokounmpo and their goal of winning another championship.
Overall, this trade has shaken up the NBA landscape and has the potential to greatly impact the Eastern Conference. The Bucks, with the addition of Damian Lillard, now have a formidable duo alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, making them a force to be reckoned with. Only time will tell if this move pays off for both the Bucks and the Trail Blazers, but it has certainly made the upcoming season even more exciting for fans.
