Damian Lillard, NBA world react to stunning trade that will team All-Star with Giannis Antetokounmpo on Bucks
Damian Lillard has been traded … but not to the Heat.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news that the Trail Blazers have agreed to trade Lillard to the Bucks in a three-team deal involving the Suns.
The news came as a huge surprise. It was well known that the Heat were at the top of Lillard’s wishlist and the Raptors were said to have emerged as “front-runners” in the days leading up to the trade. The Bucks weren’t reported as being in the mix.
Following 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers, Lillard will now team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton on a Bucks team that has the firepower to win another championship. Lillard is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 32.2 points and 7.3 assists per game. He’ll make a big difference to the Bucks considering they ranked 15th in offensive efficiency last season.
As part of the deal, the Trail Blazers will reportedly receive Jrue Holiday and Deandre Ayton while the Suns land Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen and Nassir Little. Full details here.
The NBA world was quick to react to the trade on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The casuals won’t be addressed but the trailblazers fans and city of Portland that I love truly will be … and they will be addressed truthfully. Stay tuned
Excited for my next chapter! @Bucks ????️
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) September 27, 2023
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— Darius Garland (@dariusgarland22) September 27, 2023
My ???? came up ????
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) September 27, 2023
Suns got nas and nurk with a shooter Sheesh
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) September 27, 2023
Happy Wednesday, anything going on today?
— Alex Caruso (@ACFresh21) September 27, 2023
Folks gone pull up to Milwaukee and workout now!
— Evan Turner (@thekidet) September 27, 2023
Losing Jrue is Big. That’s all imma say
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) September 27, 2023
lol https://t.co/DpozvaxTCH
— Grayson Allen (@GraysonJAllen) September 27, 2023
Christmas at my house @Dame_Lillard
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) September 27, 2023
The NBA is the greatest show on earth..
— ???? Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) September 27, 2023
Trade grades
Portland A+
Milwaukee A
Suns B can turn into A if they continue to grow the roster— Channing Frye (@channingfrye) September 27, 2023
Jrue holiday to the Heat or Lakers I’m calling it now!
— Channing Frye (@channingfrye) September 27, 2023