Damian Lillard’s trade saga has finally come to an end. After playing for his entire career with the Blazers, he still couldn?t chip in a trophy. He had often expressed his disappointment with the franchise?s management for not being able to build a championship team. After officially putting in a request for a trade, his first choice had been going to the Heat. However, that dream has come to an end.?
The landscape of the league has shifted. As Dame craves for a championship and personal glory, a recent trade has just refreshed his dreams and desires.?
Lillard traded to the Bucks, and an old tweet has resurfaced
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Lillard has been traded to the home of reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo?s Milwaukee Bucks. The three-team deal included The Blazers receiving Jrue Holiday and DeAndre Ayton, while the Suns landed Jusuf Nurkic. And finally, Lillard?s stint with the Blazers has officially ended.
Back in 2021, a fan tweeted at Lillard, asking if he would consider moving to Milwaukee once their then-coach, Mike Budenholzer, was gone. Lillard?s response was a plain, unequivocal ?No?.
This old Dame/ Milwaukee tweet ? pic.twitter.com/80NaV2Axka
? BASKETBALL ON ? (@BasketballOnX) September 27, 2023
Despite his previous public rejection of the idea, it seems that the allure of a potential championship was enough to change Lillard?s mind.
Dame looking for a championship with the Bucks
Lillard?s desire to win a championship is well-known and joining a team with a player of Antetokounmpo?s caliber certainly increases his chances. With All-Star caliber players and proven winners, Giannis and Dame are a match made in heaven.?
The Bucks will use Giannis’ dominance in the paint to open up shots for Lillard from outside. Giannis can draw double and even triple teams, which would free up Lillard for open shots from three-point range.?
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Lillard’s pick-and-roll skills will create mismatches for Giannis. If Lillard picks and rolls against a smaller defender, Giannis could roll to the basket for a thumping dunk. If Lillard picks and rolls against a bigger defender, he could kick the ball out to Giannis for a mid-range jumper or three-pointer. With Dame coming in Giannis is likely to stay with the Bucks for long. This dynamic duo would be a nightmare for many teams.
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