NBA news 2023: Damian Lillard traded to Milwaukee Bucks to join Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Damian Lillard was traded by Portland to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, ending his 11-year run with the Trail Blazers and the three-month saga surrounding his desire to move elsewhere in hopes of winning an NBA championship. The seven-time All-Star is so elite he was named NBA's 75th anniversary team - Trail Blazers' in a three-team deal that sent Jrue Holiday from Bucks to Portland and Deandre Ayton Bucks. Phoenix transferred Jusuf Nurkic Portland and Blazers Suns because neither team had announced deal, according person who spoke The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. READ Knights double Dally M as Ponga leaves Johnson READ 'Super shoe' records divide sport READ Clubs 'white with rage' as AFL reacts to 'deplorable' call As with all trades, this one cannot be finalized until NBA lawyers review the terms and approve the deal. "It won't the passers-by, but it will be addressed to Trailblazers fans and the city of Portland that I truly love... and it will them honestly. “Excited for the next chapter! ” On July 1, it learned that Lillard had requested a trade from the Trail Blazers; It was speculated that he considering this trade, given his long-time desire to play for a prospect and his lack of chances with Portland's current roster. Portland decided not to grant that request, and instead it was the Bucks who had an incredibly strong 1-2 punch against Lillard and Antetokounmpo heading into the new season. Despite the team's subpar start to the season, Lillard has yet to request a trade from Portland In May 2022, Lillard was asked on Twitter to name a current player he would like to help reach the playoffs. He gave a one-word answer “Giannis.” The deal also includes Nassir Little, Keon Johnson and Grayson Allen going to Phoenix, and Toumani Camara going to Portland. Draft capital will also be involved, the person said. Trading Ayton means Devin Booker is now only player on Phoenix team that played against Milwaukee in 2021 NBA Finals and is still on Suns' roster. The trade continues the Bucks' dramatic offseason shift in response to their surprising first-round playoff loss to Miami. They followed up their playoff loss by firing coach Mike Budenholzer and replacing him with Adrian Griffin, who spent the last five seasons as an assistant with the Toronto Raptors. Now they've traded the two-time All-Star break to acquire Lillard, a seven-time All-NBA selection. The Lillard acquisition comes after two-time MVP Antetokounmpo told The New York Times over the summer how committed the Bucks were winning another championship before deciding whether to sign a long-term deal stay in Milwaukee. It came after he said he wanted to see it. . Antetokounmpo's contract will run through the 2024-25 season and he will have a player option for 2025-26. Bringing Lillard to Milwaukee certainly shows determination. This also keeps high-scoring guard away from Miami, one of the Bucks' biggest rivals in Ea