Dame Starts New Journey in Mil

As part of a three-team transaction that also involved the Phoenix Suns, the Portland Trail Blazers sent guard Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he will team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo, the clubs said on Wednesday.

According to the clubs' press release, Portland will acquire Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Milwaukee's unprotected first-round draft selection in 2029, as well as unprotected Milwaukee exchange rights in 2028 and 2030.

Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson are all acquired by the Suns as part of the deal package.

After Lillard officially asked to be dealt in early July, the Blazers chose to be patient and reach a deal months later.

After 11 seasons in Portland, Lillard leaves the team after being selected to seven All-Star and All-NBA teams, leading the team to the playoffs eight times, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2018–19. In terms of points, 3-pointers, and assists, he holds the top two spots in franchise history.

On Wednesday, he declared on X that he was "excited" for the following chapter.

After the transaction, the Bucks became the overwhelming favorite to win the NBA championship, with odds of roughly 4-1 at American bookmakers. Milwaukee had been ranked as the fourth favorite, after the Suns, the Boston Celtics, and the Denver Nuggets, the reigning champions.