The Blazers traded Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday in a three-team deal that additionally consists of the Phoenix Suns.
In return the Blazers are receiving Jrue Vacation, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 unprotected first-round choose from the Bucks and the precise to swap picks in 2028 and 2030.
The Suns are receiving Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.
As with all trades, it can’t be finalized till NBA attorneys overview the phrases and approve the deal.
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The blockbuster commerce comes after months of rumors that Lilllard would solely play for the Warmth.
It’s unclear if Lillard modified his thoughts and is keen to go well with up for the Bucks alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee could have felt stress to make this blockbuster deal in an try and appease Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA MVP who hinted he’s uncertain of his future with the Bucks.
Antetokounmpo has two extra years and a participant possibility left on his present contract and is eligible for a three-year extension price $173 million.
In August, the Greek celebrity informed The New York Occasions he is not going to be seeking to signal a brand new contract this season — and emphasised the significance of sacrifice from the group.
‘Did not should promote the farm’ | 04:26
He adopted that up earlier this month by questioning the staff’s dedication to contending for an NBA title whereas on the “48 Minutes” Bleav podcast.
“So long as we play and we method the sport each single day the precise approach and all of us sacrifice for a typical purpose, I can see myself being with the Milwaukee Bucks for the remainder of my profession,” the 28-year-old Antetokounmpo mentioned.
“However the second I really feel like individuals are not dedicated as I’m to get that golden factor within the again … I’m a Milwaukee Buck, however most significantly, I’m a winner. I need to win.
“I’ve to do no matter it takes for me to win, and if there’s a higher scenario for me to win the Larry O’Brien [championship trophy] I’ve to take that higher scenario.”
Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to an NBA title in 2021, however Milwaukee misplaced to the Celtics within the East Finals the next 12 months and had been bounced from the playoffs final season with a first-round loss to the Warmth.Milwaukee fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after the staff’s early postseason exit and changed him with Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin.
Lillard, 33, provides Griffin a dynamic scorer and playmaker who averaged a career-high 32.2 factors per recreation final season and has averaged at the least 24 factors per recreation in every of the final eight seasons.
His profession common of 25.2 factors per recreation ranks eleventh amongst all gamers in NBA historical past who’ve appeared in at the least 500 video games.
A seven-time All-Star in 11 NBA seasons, Lillard was a first-round choose by Portland within the 2012 NBA Draft, going No. 6 general.
However after the Path Blazers used the No. 3 choose general within the 2023 NBA Draft on level guard Scoot Henderson, Lillard learn the writing on the wall and requested for his ticket out of city.
Lillard will make virtually $46 million this coming season and will make as a lot as $216 million over the following 4 years if he workout routines his possibility for the 2026-27 season.
This initially appeared in NY Submit and was republished with consent.