September 28, 2023
In a shocking turn of events, the Portland Trail Blazers have traded their franchise player, Damian Lillard, to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a blockbuster 3-team deal that is sending shockwaves throughout the NBA.
The trade, which also involves the Sacramento Kings, marks a significant shift in the league’s landscape. Damian Lillard, a beloved figure in Portland, had spent his entire career with the Blazers, becoming the face of the franchise and one of the most iconic players in the league.
The details of the trade are as follows:
Milwaukee Bucks Receive:
- Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive:
- Donte DiVincenzo
- Brook Lopez
- Pat Connaughton
- 2024 first-round draft pick (via Milwaukee)
- 2025 first-round draft pick (via Milwaukee)
- 2026 first-round draft pick (via Milwaukee)
- 2023 second-round draft pick (via Sacramento)
Sacramento Kings Receive:
- CJ McCollum
- Bobby Portis
- George Hill
This trade is a significant win for the Milwaukee Bucks, who are coming off a successful championship run. Adding Damian Lillard to their roster gives them another superstar alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, instantly making them a formidable contender for years to come.
For the Trail Blazers, this trade signals a new era as they part ways with their longtime leader. In return, they receive a mix of young talent and future draft picks, signaling a potential rebuilding phase for the franchise.
The Sacramento Kings also make significant moves in this trade, acquiring CJ McCollum to pair with their young core, aiming to improve their competitiveness in the Western Conference.
The trade’s ripple effect will be felt across the NBA, with fans and analysts speculating on how it will impact the balance of power in the league. It’s a bittersweet moment for Blazers fans who have supported Damian Lillard through thick and thin, but it also marks an exciting new chapter in the careers of the players involved and the teams they represent.
As the NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on how Damian Lillard adjusts to his new team in Milwaukee and how the Trail Blazers and Kings navigate their respective paths in the post-trade landscape. The 2023-2024 NBA season just got a lot more intriguing.
