The star guard finds a new home alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Damian Lillard, the star player of the Portland Trail Blazers, has finally been traded after months of trade rumors and speculation. He is headed to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he will join two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Lillard had requested a trade after spending 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers as their franchise player. His preferred destination was initially the Miami Heat, but trade negotiations were complex, and Miami's offer was reportedly underwhelming. This led to a series of rumors that impacted Portland's bargaining power.
In the end, Lillard is part of a three-team trade deal involving the Trail Blazers, Bucks, and Phoenix Suns. Milwaukee acquires Damian Lillard, while Phoenix receives Jusuf Nurkić, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson. The Trail Blazers, in return, get DeAndre Ayton, Jrue Holiday, and Toumani Camara, along with the rights to Milwaukee's 2029 unprotected first-round draft pick and unprotected pick swap rights with Milwaukee for 2028 and 2030.
The Trail Blazers are also reportedly engaged with other teams for additional deals that will involve moving Jrue Holiday to a contender as they focus on rebuilding around their young core.
