Blazers deal Damian Lillard to Bucks in blockbuster 3-team deal

The Portland Trail Blazers have announced a blockbuster trade that will send superstar guard Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team deal that also involves the Philadelphia 76ers.

Lillard, 31, has spent his entire ten-year career with the Blazers and has been an All-Star in each of the last six seasons. The four-time All-NBA selection has also led Portland to at least the second round of the playoffs in each of the last five seasons.

The move to Milwaukee reunites Lillard with Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, with whom he won a gold medal with the USA Basketball team at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The Bucks are hoping that the addition of Lillard will help them defend their NBA title and build a dynasty in the Eastern Conference.

As part of the deal, the Blazers will receive a package that includes Bucks forward Khris Middleton, Sixers guard Ben Simmons, and multiple draft picks. The Sixers will receive Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic as well as additional draft considerations.

Reaction from around the league

The trade has sent shockwaves throughout the NBA, with many experts weighing in on the implications of the deal.

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith called the move "a major coup for the Bucks," adding that Lillard adds another "deadly scoring threat" to an already potent offense.

Former NBA player and current ESPN commentator Jalen Rose praised the addition of Middleton to the Blazers, saying "he's one of the most underrated players in the league and will be a great fit with Portland."

Former 76ers guard Allen Iverson, meanwhile, expressed disappointment at the loss of Simmons. "I loved playing alongside Ben, he's a great player and a great teammate," Iverson said in a statement. "But I understand that trades are a part of the game and wish him the best in his new home."

What it means for each team

For the Bucks, the addition of Lillard puts them firmly in the conversation for the best team in the league. With Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Lillard all in their primes, Milwaukee has the offensive firepower to match up with any team in the league.

For the Blazers, the trade represents a major shakeup of their roster. While they lose a superstar in Lillard, they gain two high-level players in Middleton and Simmons who can help them compete in the Western Conference. Additionally, the draft picks they receive in the deal will give them valuable assets to help build for the future.

For the Sixers, the trade allows them to move on from the Simmons era and get a quality center in Nurkic. While Simmons was a valuable player for the team, his poor shooting and lack of offensive production ultimately proved to be a liability in the playoffs.

Final thoughts

The trade of Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks is one of the biggest in recent NBA history and is sure to have a major impact on the league going forward. While the Blazers lose a superstar, they gain valuable assets that can help them build for the future. The Bucks, meanwhile, solidify their status as a contender and will look to defend their title with their new star guard in tow.