The Milwaukee Bucks made a blockbuster move last offseason by trading for Damian Lillard, hoping to pair his elite scoring with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominant all-around game. The acquisition set high expectations, but the 2023-24 season was a rollercoaster. The Bucks finished with a solid 49-33 record, securing the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite their strong regular season, the Bucks faced a tough playoff matchup against the Indiana Pacers in the first round and were upset in six games.Â
Injuries to key players marred the playoff series. Giannis Antetokounmpo strained his left calf and missed the entire series, while Damian Lillard suffered an Achilles injury in Game 3 and was sidelined for crucial games. Despite their efforts to rally without their stars, the Bucks fell short, with Lillard averaging 22.5 points and 5.8 assists per game in the playoffs before his injury.
As the Bucks enter the 2024 offseason, they find themselves at a crossroads. Should they stick with their current roster and hope for better health and chemistry next season, or consider trading Lillard to recalibrate their championship hopes? Moving Lillard would be a bold and risky move, but with the right trade, it could provide the Bucks with valuable assets to build a more balanced team around Giannis. Let’s explore the best potential trade destinations for Damian Lillard if the Bucks decide to make a daring move this summer.
A Surprise Move To The Nets
Nets receive: Damian Lillard
Bucks receive: Cameron Johnson, Dennis Schroder, Dorian Finney-Smith, 2025 first-round pick (via Suns), 2027 first-round pick (via Suns), 2029 first-round pick
The idea behind this trade is to provide both teams with strategic advantages. For the Bucks, gaining depth and flexibility is crucial. For the Nets, acquiring a superstar like Damian Lillard would significantly elevate their roster.
The Brooklyn Nets are on the lookout for a game-changing superstar to pair with their promising young core. Adding Lillard would create a formidable Big Three with Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton. In the 2023-24 season, Lillard averaged 24.3 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. His scoring ability and leadership could propel the Nets deep into the playoffs. Claxton, whose contract is up for renewal, is expected to command around $15-20 million annually. The presence of Lillard would also make Brooklyn an attractive destination for other free agents, further enhancing their roster.
For the Milwaukee Bucks, this trade offers immediate contributors and valuable future assets. Cameron Johnson brings reliable shooting and versatility, averaging 13.4 points per game and shooting 39.1% from three-point range. Dennis Schroder adds veteran playmaking skills, while Dorian Finney-Smith provides defensive strength and versatility on the wing. The future first-round picks in 2025, 2027, and 2029 offer Milwaukee the flexibility for future trades or a potential rebuild if necessary. This move allows the Bucks to build a more balanced and cohesive team around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Injuries played a significant role in the Bucks’ early playoff exit. Giannis strained his left calf and missed the entire series against the Indiana Pacers, while Lillard suffered an Achilles injury in Game 3 and missed crucial games. Despite their efforts to rally without their stars, the Bucks fell short. This trade could provide the necessary reset for Milwaukee, allowing them to build a more well-rounded team and prepare for a future championship run.
Overall, this trade could help both teams achieve their goals: the Nets get a superstar to lead them to potential playoff success, and the Bucks receive valuable assets and flexibility for the future. This move could reshape the competitive landscape of the NBA and create exciting new dynamics for the upcoming season.
The Pelicans Find Their Superstar Point Guard
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)
This trade proposal shakes up the landscape for both teams, aligning with their strategic needs and aspirations. The Bucks get a haul of supporting players behind Antetokounmpo, while the Pelicans find the best available point guard in the trade market.
The Pelicans landing Damian Lillard would be a huge win. Lillard is still one of the top guards in the league, and pairing him with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram could make the Pelicans a real contender in the West, not to mention he would also be reunited with CJ McCollum in the backcourt. New Orleans has been searching for a reliable superstar point guard, and Lillard fits the bill perfectly with his clutch play and veteran leadership.
For the Bucks, the trade brings in young talent and valuable assets. Dyson Daniels is a promising young guard, and Trey Murphy III is a reliable shooter. Jonas Valanciunas, who averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game last season, can bring a strong inside presence. Although Valanciunas is a free agent, re-signing him for $15-20 million and including him in a sign-and-trade deal makes sense. This could be a cheaper alternative to Brook Lopez, who, at 36, may not be a long-term solution. Larry Nance Jr. offers versatility and solid defense.
The 2025 and 2027 first-round picks included in the trade are originally Milwaukee’s own, sent to New Orleans in the Jrue Holiday trade. Getting them back gives the Bucks a valuable future asset that can be used for rebuilding or future trades. This trade offers Milwaukee depth, youth, and flexibility, which is crucial after a season where injuries to key players like Giannis and Lillard highlighted the need for a stronger supporting cast.
For the Pelicans, the trade is about winning now. Adding Lillard’s experience and clutch performances to a core featuring Zion and Ingram turns them into a formidable team. This move makes them a serious playoff contender, capable of making a deep run.
Overall, this trade helps both teams achieve their goals. The Pelicans get the superstar point guard they need to elevate their young roster, while the Bucks get a mix of young talent and future assets to build around Giannis. It’s a bold move that could reshape the futures of both franchises in exciting ways.
The Orlando Magic Would Get The Superstar They Are Looking For
Magic receive: Damian Lillard
Bucks receive: Cole Anthony, Jonathan Isaac, Mo Wagner, 2024 No. 18 pick, 2026 first-round pick (via Suns), 2027 first-round pick
The Orlando Magic are coming off a promising season that saw them reach the playoffs, only to be eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a hard-fought seven-game series. The Magic have a young and talented roster led by Paolo Banchero, who averaged 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game during the regular season, upping his game in the playoffs to 27.0 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Despite their success, it became clear that the Magic need a superstar to guide their young core and take them to the next level.
Damian Lillard could be the perfect fit for Orlando. Lillard’s leadership, clutch performance, and scoring ability would provide the stability and experience needed to complement Banchero and Franz Wagner. The Magic have been linked to free agents like Klay Thompson and Paul George, highlighting their desire to add a veteran star to their roster. Adding Lillard would fulfill this need while aligning with their strategy of building a competitive team around their young stars.
The Magic have been active in pursuing top talent. There have been rumors of mutual interest between the Magic and Klay Thompson, as well as potential interest in Paul George. These moves indicate Orlando’s commitment to enhancing their roster with proven stars who can provide both on-court performance and mentorship to younger players. Lillard, with his extensive playoff experience and scoring prowess, fits this mold perfectly.
On the other hand, the Bucks would benefit significantly from this trade. By acquiring Cole Anthony, Jonathan Isaac, Mo Wagner, the 2024 No. 18 pick, and two future first-round picks, Milwaukee would gain a mix of immediate contributors and valuable assets for the future. Cole Anthony has shown promise as a dynamic guard, while Jonathan Isaac, despite his injury history, offers tremendous defensive potential and versatility. Mo Wagner provides depth and size in the frontcourt.
The inclusion of the 2024 No. 18 pick, along with the 2026 first-round pick (via Suns) and the 2027 first-round pick, gives the Bucks the flexibility to rebuild or make further trades to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo. This trade not only addresses the Bucks’ need for depth but also positions them well for the future, ensuring they have the assets to remain competitive in the long term.
Overall, this trade would benefit both teams. The Magic would acquire a superstar to lead their young core, while the Bucks would gain valuable assets and depth, positioning both franchises for future success.
A Spurs Trade To Scare The West With Lillard And Wembanyama
Spurs receive: Damian Lillard
Bucks receive: Keldon Johnson, Devonte’ Graham, Jeremy Sochan, 2024 No. 4 pick, 2024 No. 8 pick
The San Antonio Spurs had a rough 2023-24 season, ending with a 22-60 record and placing near the bottom of the Western Conference. Despite their struggles, the arrival of Victor Wembanyama, the top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has provided a glimmer of hope. Wembanyama’s unique combination of size, skill, and agility has shown flashes of brilliance, but the Spurs need a veteran superstar to guide their young core and turn potential into wins.
Adding Damian Lillard would be a game-changer for San Antonio. His presence would not only elevate the team’s performance but also provide invaluable mentorship to Wembanyama and the other young players. The Spurs have been actively searching for a top-tier point guard to pair with Wembanyama, and Lillard fits the bill perfectly.
The Bucks, on the other hand, would receive a substantial return for Lillard. Keldon Johnson is a rising star who averaged 15.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, offering immediate offensive firepower and defensive capabilities. Devonte’ Graham brings veteran guard experience, and Jeremy Sochan adds versatile defense and potential as a key rotational player. The inclusion of the 2024 No. 4 and No. 8 picks gives Milwaukee valuable assets for rebuilding or making additional strategic trades to bolster their roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
This trade aligns well with both teams’ strategies. For the Spurs, pairing Lillard with Wembanyama creates a formidable duo that can compete with the best in the West. The young team gets a proven leader and clutch performer who can guide them through the challenges of an NBA season and beyond.
For the Bucks, trading Lillard allows them to gain depth and flexibility. The infusion of young talent and high draft picks positions them well for sustained success, whether they choose to develop these players or use them as assets in future trades. This strategic move ensures Milwaukee remains competitive and adaptable in the ever-changing NBA landscape.
This trade scenario offers a win-win solution, setting up both the Spurs and the Bucks for future success and exciting new dynamics in their respective conferences.
Could The Raptors Make Another Franchise Changing Trade?
Raptors receive: Damian Lillard
Bucks receive: Bruce Brown, Immanuel Quickley, Ochai Agbaji, 2024 No. 19 pick, 2025 first-round pick, 2026 first-round pick (via Pacers)
The Toronto Raptors, a team known for their bold moves, might be on the verge of another franchise-altering trade by acquiring Damian Lillard. This move echoes their 2018 trade for Kawhi Leonard, which led to their first NBA Championship. Acquiring Lillard would signify a similar aggressive push to elevate the team back into serious contention.
During the 2023-24 season, the Raptors finished with a 25-57 record, placing 12th in the Eastern Conference. Despite their struggles, the team showed flashes of potential, especially with young stars like Scottie Barnes. Barnes had a standout season, indicating his readiness to lead the team into the future.
Damian Lillard would bring elite scoring and veteran leadership to Toronto. His presence could accelerate the development of Barnes and other young players, positioning the Raptors as a formidable force in the Eastern Conference.
Immanuel Quickley, a restricted free agent, would join the Bucks through a sign-and-trade agreement. Quickley, who averaged 16.5 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds last season, is expected to sign a contract in the range of $15-18 million annually. Bruce Brown and Ochai Agbaji add depth and versatility to Milwaukee’s roster. Additionally, the inclusion of the 2024 No. 19 pick, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2026 first-round pick via the Pacers provides the Bucks with valuable future assets.
This trade would benefit both teams. For the Raptors, landing Lillard means adding a superstar capable of leading the team deep into the playoffs, much like Kawhi Leonard did in 2018. For the Bucks, trading Lillard for young talent and draft picks allows them to build a competitive roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo, ensuring long-term success.
