Damian Lillard trade to Milwaukee Bucks: Which players were involved? Full details for blockbuster trade
The Milwaukee Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers have sensationally agreed on a deal that lands Damian Lillard next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that it's a three-team deal involving other top names like Deandre Ayton and Jusuf Nurkic.
The Phoenix Suns have received Nurkic, while Ayton will move to the Trail Blazers as part of the trade. The Bucks have surprisingly moved on from Jrue Holiday, who recently said he wanted to retire with the team. Here are the full trade details as reported by Wojnarowski:
Detailed transaction of Damian Lillard's trade to Milwaukee
Milwaukee Bucks: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers: Deandre Ayton, Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, 2029 1st round pick (via Milwaukee), unprotected MIL swap rights in 2028 and 2030.
Phoenix Suns: Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.
The Bucks have swooped in out of nowhere in the scenario. ESPN's Marc J. Spears reported about their interest just a day ago. For the last week, it was the Toronto Raptors who were in the front seat to acquire Lillard.
With this sensational deal, the Bucks have presumably also changed Giannis Antetokounmpo's non-committal stance to sign an extension. Over the last few weeks, the two-time MVP expressed his thoughts about an extension several times, saying he wouldn't sign a new contract unless the Bucks are on the same page as him about winning a title.
By acquiring Lillard, the Bucks have proved to the superstar that they are willing to do whatever it takes to maximize the window of contending with him as their centerpiece.
Damian Lillard embraces move to Milwaukee despite preference to join Heat
Damian Lillard's wish to join the Miami Heat was well-known. Some reports claimed he would ask for a trade if he was moved elsewhere. However, with the Heat and Trail Blazers far apart in talks, Lillard opened his options to Milwaukee and Brooklyn Nets.
"With Miami talks going nowhere, agent Aaron Goodwin privately told the Bucks and Nets 10 days ago that Dame would be interested in a deal there," reported ESPN's Marc J. Spears. "The Raptors were a real contender to land the ex-Blazers star, but ultimately Bucks got it done per Woj report."
Spears also reported on the Bucks' interest in Lillard a day ago. The Bucks got the deal done without any hesitation. It seemed like a winner for all teams involved. The trade looked balanced from every team's perspective, which may have contributed to how quickly the terms got finalized.
Also read: Following Damian Lillard trade, betting $1000 on Milwaukee Bucks to yield $3750 profit in 2023-24 championship odds