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In a major NBA trade, seven-time All-NBA selection Damian Lillard is set to team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo at the Milwaukee Bucks for the upcoming season.
This pivotal three-team deal involved Jrue Holiday and Deandre Ayton moving to the Portland Trail Blazers, while Jusuf Nurkic, Keyon Johnson, and Grayson Allen headed to the Phoenix Suns. Lillard’s move to the Bucks comes after months of his request to be traded from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Lillard expressed his anticipation for this new chapter in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that while casual fans may not be addressed, he intends to speak honestly to the Blazers’ fans and the city of Portland that he loves.
The star guard had engaged in multiple offseason talks with the Blazers, seeking a competitive roster that could contend for a championship. Unfortunately, his efforts did not yield the desired outcome, leading to his trade request.
During Lillard’s 11-season tenure with the Blazers, he solidified himself as one of the NBA’s premier guards. However, despite his outstanding performance in the last campaign, the Blazers missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
fIn contrast, the acquisition of Damian Lillard positions the Milwaukee Bucks as strong contenders for this season’s NBA championship alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks’ president, Peter Feigin, and general manager, Jon Horst, expressed their excitement over Lillard joining the team, emphasizing the rare opportunity to pair an elite player with a versatile roster.
With Lillard’s arrival, speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks may subside, potentially securing the Greek Freak’s presence in Milwaukee for the long term. The Bucks are now considered one of the favorites to compete for the NBA title this season.