While the Philadelphia 76ers are preparing for the 2023-24 season, they have to deal with the James Harden saga. The Sixers are looking to get the most value in return for one of the game’s biggest impact players despite being on the downside of his career.
While Harden’s trade request was a big talking point all summer for the Sixers, there was another big trade request: Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard.
While the Sixers talked to the Blazers about a Lillard deal, they would not include Tyrese Maxey in the trade. Therefore, nothing could really get done. While it was widely assumed Lillard would get traded to the Miami Heat, his preferred destination, the plot took a big twist on Wednesday.
The Blazers sent Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team blockbuster that included the Phoenix Suns. Lillard goes to the Bucks while Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 unprotected Milwaukee first rounder and unprotected Milwaukee swap rights in 2028 and 2030 go to Portland. The Suns receive Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.
Lillard goes Milwaukee as part of a 3-team deal with Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 unprotected MIL 1st, and unprotected MIL swap rights in 2028 and 2030 to Blazers. Phoenix lands Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson. https://t.co/Ge0H91AiIA
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 27, 2023
The Sixers will open the season on Oct. 26 in Milwaukee. They will get an up-close-and-personal look at Lillard teaming with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
[lawrence-related id=84246,84227,84224]