Damian Lillard reportedly traded to Bucks after 11 seasons with Portland Trail Blazers

[rady]

Damian Lillard finally got his wish. Mostly. The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly acquiring the seven-time All-Star guard from the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team deal with the Phoenix Suns.

As part of the deal, Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton and Toumani Camara are going to the Blazers, as well as the Bucks' 2029 unprotected first-round pick and unprotected swap rights in 2028 and 2030. The Suns land Jusuf Nurkić, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.

Lillard requested a trade on the second day of 2023 free agency after years of seemingly going back and forth with Portland on trying to build a championship contender around him. He signed a two-year, max contract extension in the summer of 2022. Lillard is owed $216.2 million over the next four seasons, including $63.2 million in the 2026-27 campaign.

Source

Did anyone actually expected that either Lillard or Giannis would come to the Knicks?

 

[mafra]

No. Fortunately he didn’t go to MIA… but, will Riley target Jru? Holiday would fit perfectly here, but I don’t trust that Leon Rose has the ability to make a deal.

 

[Kiyaman]

Well, Giannis will be a Bucks the next 3 seasons.
I wonder who Dame backup will be on the Bucks?
Dame got a teammate to throw his full court lob passes too.
The off-season Move that put the Bucks on the Top of the NBA East before the start of training-camp.

Who will bite for Jrue Holiday contract ???
Pat Riley's Miami Heats ....

The Knicks already added two guards contracts (Hart & Donte) this offseason to the roster.
Plus, Now Leon Rose intention should be to give our 6.4 combo-guard Quickley a contract extension. before the start of the season, for Quickley's 6th Man performance.

 

[mafra]

Knicks pursue Jrue?

Windhorst: "Maybe you wouldn't be diminishing [Embiid odds] maybe you'd be strengthening…Knicks have ammo to make 2…star trades…Jrue in his 30s but…Knicks should seriously look”

 

[Kiyaman]

No. Fortunately he didn’t go to MIA… but, will Riley target Jru? Holiday would fit perfectly here, but I don’t trust that Leon Rose has the ability to make a deal.

Brunson & Grimes having a backup of Jrue & Quickley would give the Knicks a guard rotation chasing a CHIP !!!
Leon & Thibs Chip level went down in offseason ..
Don't go crazy over ESPN’s Bold Prediction

 

[mafra]

It makes sense. Plus, it gives a champion injection into the lineup. Jrue knows what it takes bc he won a chip. He can help Brunson and Randle. He’s a stout defender and can help Grimes grow.

He can opt out after season and at 34 will want 4/150 or something. But if you can get him for RJ or IQ, and you get something else back? Something to consider….

 

[Kiyaman]

If no team trade for Holiday before the start of the 2023-24 season, then Holiday will want to stay in Portland to help coach Billups build the two future star-players Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons.