The Milwaukee Bucks just turned the NBA landscape on its head.
As first reported by ESPN, the Bucks have acquired Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team deal with the Phoenix Suns. No, this is not a dream.
Reactions to the Milwaukee Bucks’ blockbuster trade for Damian Lillard
Bucks fans, no, NBA fans, are still shocked by this news. For months, the Miami Heat were the clear favorites for Lillard, and it seemed like he would ultimately end up there. There were rumors that the Bucks were poking around Lillard trade talks, but it was hard to imagine that anything would truly come of it. Well, would you look at that?
The Bucks just landed one of the best point guards in the NBA. Lillard can score, shoot, and pass with the best of them. He will instantly gel with Milwaukee’s other core components, but he will mesh with Giannis especially easily. The two-man game these two will have on offense could be one of the most mesmerizing in NBA history. Oh yeah, Khris Middleton is still there as well!
As for what the Bucks gave up, they moved Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, their 2029 first rounder, and two future pick swaps. That’s not too bad for a player of Lillard’s caliber. It’s sad to see Holiday go, but his playoff woes over the last few seasons were a growing concern, and although Lillard is not the defender Holiday is, he is undoubtedly an overall upgrade.
This move comes shortly after Giannis Antetokounmpo made some comments about wanting to make sure the Bucks were always committed to winning before he inked an extension. Well, does it look they are committed now, Giannis? The Greek Freak will still likely wait to sign an extension, if he does, until a later date to get more cash and years.
Most people are still trying to wrap their heads around this news, and that certainly will not stop anytime soon. Hats off to General Manager Jon Horst for making a move for a superstar talent.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis following this Damian Lillard blockbuster trade.