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Damian Lillard and Giannis make Milwaukee the best team in the East
Sebastian Martinez Christensen explains why Lillard’s surprise move to Milwaukee makes the Bucks a serious contender to win the NBA again
The Portland Trail Blazers traded Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a three-team deal that also included the Phoenix Suns, the teams announced Wednesday.
The The Portland Trail Blazers traded point guard Damian Lillard want Milwaukee Bucks to play Giannis Antetokounmpo As a part of Three Group Agreement This includes Phoenix SunsThe teams announced Wednesday.
Portland will get Jury vacation, Deandre Ayton, Doumani KamaraUnprotected 2029 first-round draft pick Milwaukee and Milwaukee’s unprotected trade rights in 2028 and 2030.
The Suns will get Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Naseer Little And Keon Johnson As part of the contract.
The Blazers are expected to speak with competing teams in negotiations to make a trade holiday, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The deal comes months later Lillard will formally request a trade in early Julywhen Blazers They decided to take a patient approach to the negotiations.
Lillard Leaves Portland After 11 seasons in which he was a part Seven All-Star and All-NBA teams Led the franchise to the playoffs eight times, including losing in the Western Conference Finals in 2018-19. He is the all-time leader in team history in both points and three-pointers and is second in assists.
On Wednesday Said by X that he is “excited” for the next chapter.
“Today is an exciting day MilwaukeeBucks president Peter Feigin and general manager Jon Horst said in a statement. NBA With a very versatile team with big goals, you try. We are happy to offer you Welcome seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard to the Bucks“.
Lillard, 33, had a great year last season, averaging 32.2 points and 7.3 assists, but he played in just 58 games and sat out the final month of the season. Highlight of the season Lillard vs. came on February 26 The Houston Rockets exploded for 71 points.
The 32.2 PBJ of Lillard There are So much for a player who will be changing teams next seasonAccording to ESPN Stats and Information Research.
Despite the heroic deeds of Lillard, Portland failed to reach the playoffs in two consecutive seasons for the first time since its debut in the league. The Blazers They also picked up their draft pick after two seasons, and recently selected a shooting guard Scott Henderson with the second overall pick. Lillard’s trade request came shortly after.
