The NBA landscape experienced a massive shift as the Milwaukee Bucks were able to trade for Damian Lillard.
The Portland Trail Blazers had been mulling offers and finally decided to pull the trigger on a three-team deal that involved the Phoenix Suns and the Bucks.
Milwaukee had to ship out All-Star guard Jrue Holiday and draft capital, but it was well worth the cost as Lillard is a true game-changer that can impact a team’s title odds.
The Trail Blazers were able to grab Deandre Ayton in the deal to help boost their rebuild, but the real winners are the Bucks who got the best player in the trade.
Milwaukee is coming off a disappointing playoff exit where they struggled to score without a fully healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Lillard should be able to prevent such a situation from happening again.
In fact, Lillard also believes his fit next to Antetokounmpo will work out because he previously revealed that he would be his preferred superstar to pair up with via GQ Sports.
“I would pick Giannis…The way he plays, compliments the way I play,” Lillard said.
QUESTION: "If you were to pick a player that would help you win a championship, who would you pick?"
DAME: "I would pick Giannis…The way he plays, compliments the way I play."
(via @GQSports) pic.twitter.com/zt0rxWzhkO https://t.co/IxoqouLKeJ
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 27, 2023
Antetokounmpo and Lillard have natural balancing skillsets as the former is a dominant paint option that can defend the rim, while the latter is able to shoot from anywhere on the floor and bend defenses to his will.
The tandem make up one of the best one-two punches in the league and could very well power Milwaukee to another title assuming they’re able to stay healthy.
The 2023-24 NBA season hasn’t even begun yet, but fans have already been treated to fireworks.
NEXT: Knicks Player Sends A Message To Damian Lillard After Trade
