It was no secret that Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard wanted out.
Rumors swirled about his preference of joining the Miami Heat. Yet it was apparent the Blazers were not interested in what was being offered which centered around shooting guard Tyler Herro. Also, as many expected a third team was necessary to for a deal to get completed. The teams involved were the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns.
Lillard is going to the Bucks. Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, and Toumani Camara along with Milwaukee’s 2029 unprotected first round pick and unprotected swap rights in 2028 and 2030 are going to Portland. Phoenix received Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, Grayson Allen, and Keon Johnson.
The Trail Blazers are not likely done making moves either as it was immediately reported that Holiday was available via trade.
With the acquisition of Lillard, the Bucks become a favorite to win a title. The Suns got more depth and a center that is effective in Nurkic and even better with all their scorers on the roster he does not need to become the focal point on offense. He wil provide grit, defensive, and rebounding.
For the Trail Blazers, Ayton has some question marks specifically when it comes to effort. It seems though a change of scenery was needed. He will also get more opportunities to score the basketball as well and for his career his field goal percentage is nearly 60 percent.
Ayton will also take pressure off Scoot Henderson who was taken no.3 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. As of now the only question that remains is what will happen with Holiday? How soon will he get moved?