The Milwaukee Bucks took a big risk last offseason, trading Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen in a three-time deal that brought Damian Lillard to Milwaukee. While the deal itself was a no-brainer, the risk came in the fact that it happened so close to the start of training camp. In other words, Lillard and Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo did not have much time to prepare and learn how to best play together.
Additionally, Milwaukee had built their entire roster last offseason around the thought that Giannis was going to be the only superstar on the team. In essence, the 2023-24 Bucks were not constructed with Dame in mind, and it showed during the regular season.
This offseason, Milwaukee is sure to make significant changes to their roster. While both Lillard and Giannis have stated that they are working together this summer to make their production better, it has not stopped many from speculating that Lillard could be traded.
NBA Analyst Suggest the Milwaukee Bucks Trade Damian Lillard to the New Orleans Pelicans
Jan 26, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) walks the ball up court during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
One such trade proposal has Milwaukee sending Lillard to the New Orleans Pelicans. Ironically, part of the package that the Bucks would get in return would include two first-round picks. These picks originally belonged to Milwaukee, but the sent them to New Orleans for Holiday prior to the 2020-21 season.
The full trade would also land the Bucks a large core of role players:
Pelicans receive: Damian Lillard
Bucks receive: Dyson Daniels, Trey Murphy III, Jonas Valanciunas, Larry Nance Jr., 2025 first-round pick (via Bucks), 2027 first-round pick (via Bucks)
The reason New Orleans would do this trade is obvious: Lillard is a superstar. That being said, this trade does not make much sense for the Bucks. The biggest reason for this is one simple fact: Valanciunas is a free agent. The Pelicans cannot trade him unless they pull of a sign-and-trade, something that he has not given any indication of wanting.
The Milwaukee Bucks Will Not Trade Damian Lillard
Jan 27, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
As mentioned, Lillard and Giannis have already committed to learning how to best play together this offseason. They had no time to do so last offseason, and the head coaching fiasco did not help matters.
The biggest reason, though, that Milwaukee will not explore any trades for Lillard is because it would send the wrong message to Giannis. He has stated, many times, that he will never leave the Bucks as long as they are committed to winning. Trading Lillard for a bench full of role players and picks is not a win-now move. It is a rebuilding move.
If the Bucks enter a rebuild, they will go through it without their two-time NBA MVP.
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