The Milwaukee Bucks have not even come close to achieving the goals they set for themselves prior to the 2023-24 NBA season. The firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer and the hiring of Adrian Griffin and the replacement of Jrue Holiday with Damian Lillard were supposed to facilitate the Bucks return to the NBA Finals. Instead, they once again accepted a series defeat in the first round.
Of course, there were many reasons for the disappointing season. Milwaukee felt Griffin wasn’t performing well enough (even though he was 30-13) and fired him mid-season. Lillard didn’t practice at all last offseason for fear of getting injured before being traded, so he wasn’t in good shape all season long.
And of course, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was injured just before the NBA playoffs and missed the entire series against the Indiana Pacers, played a major role in the season’s frustrating end.
Trade rumors about Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard have already surfaced
In the past, many of these high-speed trade proposals have centered around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now many of them are focused on Lillard, likely because he has already been traded once.
In the latest article published by The Vanishing WorldFran Leiva suggests Milwaukee could trade Lillard to the San Antonio Spurs, where he would join Victor Wembanyama:
Spurs receive: Damian Lillard
Bucks receive: Keldon Johnson, Devonte’ Graham, Jeremy Sochan, No. 4 pick in 2024, No. 8 pick in 2024.
“Adding Damian Lillard would be a game-changer for San Antonio. His presence would not only improve the team’s performance, but also provide Wembanyama and other newborn players with invaluable mentoring. Spurs are actively looking for a top-class playmaker fit for Wembanyama, and Lillard fits the bill perfectly.
“The Bucks, on the other hand, would get a significant return for Lillard. Keldon Johnson is a rising star, averaging 15.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, offering immediate offensive power and defensive ability.
“Devonte’ Graham brings experience as a veteran defender, and Jeremy Sochan adds defensive versatility and potential as a key rotation player. Including the No. 4 and No. 8 picks in 2024 will provide Milwaukee with valuable assets to rebuild or make additional strategic trades to strengthen the roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
It’s effortless to understand that for a Spurs fan, a Wemby-Lillard team-up would be an electrifying prospect. Additionally, it’s challenging not to see value in returning two top-10 NBA draft picks.
Read also: The Milwaukee Bucks are sending Damian Lillard to the Brooklyn Nets in a massive Bonkers trade proposal
However, this trade proposal is just a pipe dream.
The Milwaukee Bucks are not selling Damian Lillard
There is one and only one reason why Lillard was traded this offseason: because he wanted to. It was a well-known fact that the All-Star point guard asked the Portland Trailblazers to trade him.
This offseason is completely different. Not only has Lillard not requested a trade, but he has repeatedly expressed his commitment to the Bucks and committed to working with Giannis this offseason as they work together toward the ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship together.
The above trade would be a disaster for the Bucks, who would no longer have a secondary option on a Lillard-style team. Khris Middleton would resume that role, and while Milwaukee won a title with him in that role, he would be much better off playing third fiddle to Giannis and Dame.
This is a transaction that would indicate a compact rebuild and the addition of two players from the top ten of the draft. The Bucks have no interest in rebuilding.
They are interested in winning the NBA championship and to do that they will need Lillard on the team.
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