Damian Lillard talks had reportedly slowed down dramatically over the last month or so, but the rumors and trade talks picked up again with a vengeance in the recent week, deservedly so. The Milwaukee Bucks ended up pulling the trigger on acquiring him with the help of the Phoenix Suns in a three-team trade, announced by Adrian Wojnarowski.
While Lillard is certainly the biggest part of this trade and Deandre Ayton was expected to get dealt at some point as well, Jrue Holiday is going to be the new biggest story to follow now that the Lillard saga is over.
Full trade details:
Milwaukee Bucks get Damian Lillard.
Portland Trail Blazers get Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 unprotected MIL 1st, and unprotected MIL swap rights in 2028 and 2030.
Phoenix Suns get Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson.
The Bucks are likely to become the clear Eastern Conference favorites over the Boston Celtics following this trade and the Suns add some depth and finally part ways with Ayton, but the most interesting aspect of the trade was actually Holiday heading to Portland.
With three young guards already in place for the Blazers in Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe, it is unlikely that the 33-year-old Holiday makes sense for their timeline or current roster construction. Portland is stated to be committed to their young group of guards and has already begun engaging in trade talks to move on from Holiday.
With a trade appearing imminent and Holiday still being a borderline All-NBA guard and elite defender, where are the most likely final destinations for the former Buck and NBA champion?
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Author: Tyler Key
September 28, 2023 | 9:00 am