The Portland Trailblazers have finally traded Damian Lillard, but it was not where many expected.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Lillard goes to Milwaukee as part of a three-team with the Suns and Blazers; Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 unprotected Milwaukee first, and unprotected Bucks swap rights in 2028 and 2030 go to the Blazers.
The Blazers remain engaged elsewhere on deals and are expected to immediately engage contending teams on trade talks to move on Jrue Holiday, according to the report.
Lillard joins two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton to form a big three in Milwaukee. The 33-year-old requested a trade from the Blazers in July, and everyone expected the Heat, but that did not happen.
Obviously, with the addition of Lillard, the Bucks, whom the Miami Heat eliminated in the first round of last season’s playoffs, are one of the favorites to win an NBA title. Last season, the seven-time All-Star averaged a career-high 32.2 points to go along with 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists per contest.
Portland gets a building block in Ayton, who was a disappointment with the Suns last season. Ayton needed a change of scenery, and he gets it.
The Blazers hope Ayton, rookie Scoot Henderson, and Anfernee Simons can be critical pieces going forward. In addition, they should be able to get picks or a quality player for Holiday.
