6 Takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks Trading for Damian Lillard

Feb 6, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard George Hill (3) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Jrue Holiday (21) and forward Bobby Portis (9) celebrate after a score late in the fourth quarter during game against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard George Hill (3) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Jrue Holiday (21) and forward Bobby Portis (9) celebrate after a score late in the fourth quarter during game against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

In a stunning turn of events, the Milwaukee Bucks have emerged from the shadows to orchestrate a seismic trade for none other than Damian Lillard, the bona fide superstar. This blockbuster deal marks the culmination of months of speculation, with Lillard’s rumored destination being the Miami Heat, a franchise he openly favored.

The convergence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard, two giants of the game who have long harbored dreams of sharing the court, was once considered a fanciful notion. However, the Bucks have defied the odds, turning that dream into a breathtaking reality.

Before we dive into takeaways about the blockbuster deal, here’s the full trade:

Bucks Receive:

  • Damian Lillard

Trail Blazers Receive:

  • Jrue Holiday
  • Deandre Ayton
  • Toumani Cmaara
  • 2029 first-round pick (via Bucks)
  • 2028 and 2030 pick swaps (via Bucks)

Suns Receive

  • Grayson Allen
  • Jusuf Nurkic
  • Nassir Little
  • Keon Johnson

Here are six significant takeaways from the Milwaukee Bucks making a surprising blockbuster trade for superstar Damian Lillard.

Thanks to Jrue Holiday

First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to Jrue Holiday. His contributions were nothing short of indispensable in steering the Bucks to their long-awaited NBA Championship, ending a half-century championship drought. Moreover, his impact transcended the hardwood as he, alongside his wife, emerged as pillars of community support. The void left by their philanthropic endeavors and their compassionate spirits is immeasurable.

Holiday is expected to be directed elsewhere in the trade, whether immediately or in the future. His invaluable talents are tailor-made for a championship contender, and his influence will resonate profoundly across the NBA landscape, regardless of his next destination. For the Bucks’ sake, one can only hope his journey keeps him in the Western Conference.