After months of speculation, it finally happened: Damian Lillard was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers.
The seven-time All-Star is reportedly headed to the Milwaukee Bucks in a multi-team deal also involving Jrue Holiday and Deandre Ayton. As of right now, with a star paring of Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are widely considered favorites to win the Eastern Conference.
While the loss of Holiday is definitely a massive hit to Milwaukee’s defensive identity, the Bucks still have an elite defensive presence with Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez.
Lillard, meanwhile, should provide an immediate bolster to the offense for the Bucks next season and beyond. Under new head coach Adrian Griffin, the Milwaukee offense will now have a top-tier offensive self-creator.
Here is what the rest of the starting lineup may look like for the Bucks: