After months of speculation, the Portland Trail Blazers traded Damian Lillard. In return, they have received a hefty package of players and picks.
The seven-time All-Star was sent to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team trade involving the Phoenix Suns. He was traded alongside former teammates Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.
In return, the Trail Blazers received a package centered around Milwaukee’s Jrue Holiday. Portland, however, then re-routed Holiday to the Boston Celtics and landed two helpful players (Robert Williams and Malcolm Brogdon) and additional draft assets.
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Portland sends:
- Damian Lillard
- Jusuf Nurkic (to PHX)
- Nassir Little (to PHX)
- Keon Johnson (to PHX)
Portland receives:
- Deandre Ayton (via Suns)
- Robert Williams (via Celtics)
- Malcolm Brogdon (via Celtics)
- Toumani Camara (via Suns)
- 2024 1st-round pick (via Warriors)
- 2029 1st-round pick (via Bucks)
- 2029 1st-round pick (via Celtics)
- Two first-round pick swaps with Bucks (2028, 2030)
So that’s three first-round picks and two pick swaps as well as a former No. 1 pick (Ayton) and other valuable assets.
Meanwhile, the package could grow a bit more before it is all said and done. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Trail Blazers are expected to keep Williams to pair alongside Ayton in the frontcourt.
However, the trade package could continue to grow if Brogdon is traded to another team before the season begins at the end of the month.
All things considered, this return is obviously much better than anything the Miami Heat reportedly offered.
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