In a massive trade move that shocked the NBA, Damian Lillard, a star point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a three-team deal with the Phoenix Suns. In exchange, the Blazers have received Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 first-round pick from Milwaukee, and pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.
The Trail Blazers drafted Damian Lillard as the No. 6 overall pick in 2012. Despite his consistently excellent performances, including an average of 32.2 points during the 2022-23 season, the Trail Blazers struggled and finished with a disappointing 33–49 record. This trade represents a significant reshuffle aimed at rebuilding the team’s lineup.
Lillard, whose incredible stats earned him the seventh All-Star selection of his career, had limited postseason success with the Trail Blazers. The team managed to reach the Western Conference Finals just once in 2019. Despite Lillard’s outstanding performances, the Trail Blazers were defeated by the Golden State Warriors, ending their championship aspirations.
In a revealing report by Adrian Wojnarowski, it was noted that Joe Cronin, Trail Blazers’ general manager, kept a clear perspective throughout the Lillard trade saga.
“Cronin’s peers, who had been in these circumstances, privately told him what he had publicly declared: His obligation was to find the best deal for the Blazers, not for Lillard,” Wojnarowski wrote. “If those conflicting elements matched up, even better for everyone.
Joe Cronin made sure not to let his emotions get the best of him during trade negotiations, per @wojespn
“Through it all, Cronin told himself: Eliminate the emotion, the frustration, the fatigue. And most of all, Cronin implored himself: Don’t settle. Don’t let yourself… pic.twitter.com/eFkONlxJcA
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 30, 2023
Cronin consistently reminded himself to “Eliminate the emotion…don’t settle”, highlighting his commitment to securing the best deal for the Trail Blazers, rather than focusing entirely on Lillard’s interests.
New beginnings for the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard
This huge deal offers a fresh start for all involved parties. For Lillard, it’s a new chapter with a Bucks team that emerges as a significant threat in the Eastern Conference, positioning them strongly against tough teams like the Miami Heat. The Bucks’ acquisition of a player of Lillard’s caliber is a clear sign of their intention to bolster their roster and make a push for championship success.
The casuals won’t be addressed but the trailblazers fans and city of Portland that I love truly will be … and they will be addressed truthfully. Stay tuned
Excited for my next chapter! @Bucks 🎟️
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) September 27, 2023
On the other side, the Trail Blazers have acquired a solid set of players and future picks that could build the foundation for the team’s comeback. Jrue Holiday brings extensive experience and a solid defensive game, while Deandre Ayton, a rising star, provides youth, energy, and impressive skills in both offense and defense.
The NBA community will closely watch as these teams adjust to their new players and begin their journeys in the upcoming season.
