The long-awaited trade for NBA superstar Damian Lillard has finally happened. And to the surprise of everybody, after months of the world expecting him to be sought after by the Miami Heat, he is now a Milwaukee Buck. 

Trade Details include: 

• Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Damian Lillard 
• Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, an unprotected 2029 first round pick, and first round pick swaps with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030 

• Phoenix Suns Receive: Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson 

After 11 years with the Blazers, bringing in 8 play-off entrances and a Western Conference Finals appearance, Dame-time has officially run out in Portland. As the Blazers have shifted towards rebuilding the last couple of years, moving Dame is a beneficial deal for both parties. Portland can fully kick off their rebuild, and Lillard will lace up his shoes with multiple all stars on his team- something he has never had in his career. 

In terms of how the All-NBA guard should look on the Bucks, the fit is almost tailor made. The hugest issue for Milwaukee in last year’s playoffs was the lack of offense in the halfcourt. Adding a 3-level scorer and deep shooting threat in Dame not only solves that, but it will also open up space for players like Giannis, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez to excel in the half court.  

The question now lies on the defensive end. Who will step up for Milwaukee to cover the role no longer filled with the absence of Jrue Holiday? That answer will be in the hands of the team’s new head coach, Adrian Griffin. Luckily there are options: Giannis could take a larger role on-ball defensively, younger players in Marjon Beauchamp and Andre Jackson will defend if they’re ready- and if all else fails, you can rely on the rim protection of Brook Lopez to spearhead a serviceable defense. 

It’s important to remember that when blockbuster trades like this happen, although these teams look good on paper, it takes time for players to come together and understand tendencies and team concepts. The Bucks will have their first chance of doing so this Sunday, October 8th when they face off against the Chicago Bulls in their first preseason game.