The NBA world was rocked Wednesday by the news that seven-time All-Star guard Damian Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks acquired Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a massive three-team trade involving the Phoenix Suns, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported. Milwaukee sent guard Jrue Holiday to Portland in the deal, but the Blazers are expected to trade him immediately.
Lillard teaming up with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo completely changes the landscape of the Eastern Conference. The Bucks now have their own "Big Three" of Lillard, Antetokounmpo, and three-time All-Star Khris Middleton. As a result of the trade, the Bucks have overtaken the Boston Celtics as East betting favorites and are also the odds-on favorites to win the 2024 NBA championship, per Fanatics Sportsbook.
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Many expected that if Lillard were traded before the 2023-24 season, it would be to the Miami Heat. There also were rumors that the Toronto Raptors were "frontrunners" to land Lillard, making the Bucks deal even more surprising.
Predictably, social media exploded with reactions to Lillard taking his talents to Milwaukee.
The Celtics will host Lillard and the new-look Bucks on Nov. 22.