As part of a three-team transaction that also involved the Phoenix Suns, the Portland Trail Blazers sent guard Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he will team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo, the teams said on Wednesday.
According to the teams’ press release, Portland will receive Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Milwaukee’s unprotected first-round draft pick in 2029, as well as unprotected Milwaukee exchange rights in 2028 and 2030.
Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson are all acquired by the Suns as part of the deal package.
According to sources, the Blazers want to approach contending clubs about trading Holiday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Blazers decided to wait and reach a deal after Lillard formally requested to be moved in early July.
Lillard leaves Portland after 11 seasons with the organization, having been named to seven All-Star and All-NBA teams, leading the team to the postseason eight times, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2018–19. He holds the record for the most points, three-pointers, and assists on the team.
He said he was “excited” for the upcoming installment on X on Wednesday.
Lillard, 33, averaged 32.2 points and 7.3 assists last season, but he only participated in 58 games because he missed the last month. Lillard’s 71-point performance on February 26 against the Houston Rockets was the high point of his season.
In a joint statement, Bucks president Peter Feigin and general manager Jon Horst declared that “today is an exciting day for Milwaukee.” “You take advantage of the chance when it arises to combine one of the best NBA players with a group that is extremely versatile and has high expectations. And Damian Lillard, a seven-time All-Star, is a wonderful addition to the Bucks.
Lillard averaged 32.2 points per game, which is the most by a player to transfer teams the following season, according to ESPN Stats & Information data.
“His temperament, competitiveness, talent, and expertise complement our team and provide us the best chance to win at the highest level, concluded Horst. “As we make new experiences together.
Portland missed the playoffs for the second straight season despite Lillard’s numbers, which was a first in his career. The Blazers made the decision to keep their draft pick after each of the two seasons, most recently drafting guard Scoot Henderson with the No. 2 overall pick. Lillard soon after made a trade request.
Blazers general manager Joe Cronin said, “I want to convey my gratitude to Damian for 11 illustrious years with this team and for his dedication to the Portland community. “Damian is and will remain a titan and a true trailblazer to this city. the fact that he amassed the most points in club history to his unwavering dedication to helping young people in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Following the deal, the Bucks were given odds of almost 4-1 at American bookies, making them the clear favorites to win the NBA championship .Milwaukee had been ranked as the fourth favorite, after the Suns, the Boston Celtics, and the Denver Nuggets, the reigning champions.