In the wake of Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, one NBA writer is proposing that the Milwaukee Bucks trade for the seven-time All-Star.
Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed that the Bucks trade Jrue Holiday, Bobby Portis, a 2024 first-round pick and a 2025 first-round pick to the Blazers for Lillard.
“The trade of Holiday, Portis, and two future first-round picks for Lillard could be an intriguing move for both the Bucks and the Portland Blazers,” Bitar wrote. “For the Bucks, acquiring Lillard would solidify their position as a championship contender and create a formidable “Big Three” alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.
“Lillard’s scoring ability, leadership, and clutch performances would provide Milwaukee with a reliable go-to option and an elite playmaker to complement their star players. Lillard’s experience in high-pressure situations would also be invaluable during the playoffs, where his hunger to score could make the Bucks even more dangerous as the team looks to regroup and make their second Finals appearance in the decade.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Bucks would have arguably the best Big 3 in the NBA if they acquired Lillard from the Blazers. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Lillard are three of the best players in the league. Each All-Star can score over 25 points on any given night and the Bucks would still have an elite defense since Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez are anchoring the paint.
Unfortunately for Milwaukee, Lillard only wants to get traded to the Miami Heat. The Blazers used Summer League in Las Vegas to get a fuller sense of the trade market for Lillard, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. Portland general manager Joe Cronin told NBA reporters in Vegas that he’s willing to wait months to trade Lillard.
The NBA sent a memo to all 30 teams in the wake of Lillard requesting a trade to the Heat. Lillard and his agent, Aaron Goodwin, can no longer talk about wanting to play for Miami. The Blazers have not been impressed with the Heat’s offers for Lillard, who has career averages of 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists. Portland is seeking four first-round picks and two quality players in return for Lillard, according to Fentress.
Lillard expressed his frustration with the Blazers in recent years for failing to construct a roster capable of competing for a championship. The Weber State product felt the time was now to request a trade after coming off a career season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Lillard was upset the Blazers didn’t trade the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft for a star player. Portland drafted Scoot Henderson, who plays the same position as Lillard, with the third pick.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
