<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a> has gone through a lot lately. The former Portland Trail Blazers star has struggled to adapt in Milwaukee. He’s going through a divorce, and his tenure with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Bucks</a> didn’t get off to a good start.



He’s been heavily criticized for his lack of aggressiveness, and his numbers took a dip this season. Nonetheless, the Bucks have been the best team in the league since the All-Star Game, going undefeated over that stretch.



Lillard has also been much better lately. He’s gone back to his usual aggressiveness, and he even led the team to a win over the Los Angeles Clippers without<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Giannis Antetokounmpo.</a>



<h2>Doc Rivers Is Helping Damian Lillard</h2>



Notably, Lillard gave his new coach, Doc Rivers, plenty of credit for this turnaround. He talked about how he’s helped him get to his spots and make the most of his offensive traits again:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240306_BUS_109498_Damian-Lillard-1024x576_bcf54fc5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Damian Lillard Bucks" class="wp-image-88098" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Damian Lillard running the point for the Milwaukee Bucks.</figcaption></figure>



“It’s helped a lot. For a significant part of the year, it was just trying to find my way,” Lillard told Gabe Stoltz. “Trying to find my spaces where I would have an opportunity. And I just think because I’ve played against Doc so many times in the West and he had to scout against me– so when he came in, he was just like, ‘You guys don’t run this? You guys don’t run that? Like, this is stuff we hated to guard against you.’ And he just slowly started to put some of those actions in.”



<h2>The Bucks Are Making Adjustments</h2>



On top of their defensive turnaround, the team has looked much better offensively. They’re starting to live up to the expectations that came with having a freakish athlete and one of the best shooters in the league:



“You know, I think it’s helped me settle in even more, especially playing with some of the guys on this team that can shoot the ball and having a guy like Giannis and the dunker behind the defense sometimes is like just stuff that I’ve always run and situations I’ve always been in should be in even harder to deal with now with the players that I’m playing with,” added Lillard.


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The Bucks are peaking at the right time, and that’s obviously a major concern for the rest of the league. Now, they’ll have to keep building off this momentum to be at their best come playoff time.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="65e89898c04ef6a96d55ce7a" data-title="Will the Bucks make the NBA Finals?" data-options="2"></div>

Damian Lillard reveals Doc Rivers' impact on Bucks' turnaround

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Damian Lillard reveals how Doc Rivers fixed the Milwaukee Bucks

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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> has recently been asked to name his favorite starting five of active NBA players. While the likes of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Stephen Curry</a> made the cut, the Milwaukee Bucks star raised eyebrows by overlooking teammate <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>.



Apart from the Los Angeles Lakers star and the Golden State Warriors icon, Dame named himself alongside <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> center Bam Adebayo and Phoenix Suns‘ <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant">Kevin Durant</a> in his TikTok interview with NelsonTheProdigy_.



Damian Lillard, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Bam Adebayo. That’s quite a star-studded lineup, and maybe Dame didn’t intend to snub Giannis but to praise other stars he hasn’t played with in the NBA.



<h2>Giannis strongly supports Lillard</h2>



Pairing Lillard with Giannis hasn’t gone to plan for the Bucks so far, even though the team went to the All-Star break sitting third in the East. But the Greek star believes in his teammate anyway.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240221_BUS_106519_Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576_2d97f51e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Damian Lillard Giannis Antetokounmpo" class="wp-image-96744" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/Damian-Lillard-Giannis-Antetokounmpo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.</figcaption></figure>



“I am his biggest fan,” Antetokounmpo said of Lillard to Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “Good or bad, I ride with Dame until the f—— end. I ride with Dame. Like I’ve been saying this over and over again. This. Is. His. Team. Down the stretch, he’s going to get the ball. There’s nothing else that we will do. I don’t know how else to put it. I don’t know what else to say.”


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Lillard is shooting just 42% this season, which is lower than expected for a shooter of his caliber. Before moving to Milwaukee this season, Dame spent 11 seasons trying to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to an NBA championship.



After failing to get enough help from the front office, the 33-year-old requested a trade with his sights set on joining last year’s runners-up Miami Heat. He ended up being sent to Milwaukee, which also appeared to be a good fit.



But the Bucks are not going through the best of times right now, riding on a 3-7 record since Doc Rivers took over. Before that, the franchise fired Adrian Griffin aiming to see an improvement on the court.

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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a> are one of the best teams in the NBA with a 30-13 record thanks to a roster full of stars such as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> and Khris Middleton.



However, their front office just fired head coach Adrian Griffin who took over a few months ago replacing Mike Budenholzer. Though Griffin was sensational as an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors, he wasn’t a good fit at Milwaukee. 



The Bucks are favorites to dominate in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a>, especially after Lillard’s arrival, but the big problem during the 2023 season has been on defense. Of course, a massive reason to explain that is the departure of Jrue Holiday.



Now, in the middle of the season and as second place in the Eastern Conference, the Bucks believe they need a boost to compete against teams like the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics">Boston Celtics</a> or the Philadelphia 76ers. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240124_BUS_99963_docrivers-1024x576_1192f9bc.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-99986" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/docrivers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Doc Rivers could be the new head coach of the Bucks (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Who will be the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks?</h2>



According a to a report by CNN Sports, Doc Rivers will be the new head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks to replace Adrian Griffin. The veteran was working as a TV analyst with ESPN, but is totally ready to sign.







Throughout his career, Rivers has been haunted by the ghost of not securing significant playoff victories. Despite assembling a great team with the 76ers and Joel Embiid, the head coach lost three consecutive Eastern Conference semifinals. Another huge issue is the 10 losses in Game 7s. 


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His only NBA title was way back in 2008 with the Boston Celtics, but Bucks’ general manager Jon Horst thinks he is the ideal person to lead Antetokounmpo alongside Lillard.

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Sometimes, you just have to be careful what you wish for, and as you may know by now, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> is no exception to that rule. Notably, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks </a>might have found that out the hard way.



There was a lot of hype surrounding his pairing with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a> but thus far, the duo has been rather underwhelming. The Bucks are getting exposed on defense, and Dame’s lack of effort on that end of the floor has been a talking point all season long.



Even though this team has won plenty of games and is still one of the best in the Eastern Conference, they seem quite beatable, and Giannis hasn’t hidden his frustration with his team. 



<h2>The Athletic: Lillard Will Leave The Bucks This Summer</h2>



That’s why NBA insider Zach Harper believes Lillard isn’t going to be in Milwaukee past this season. Talking on The Athletic’s podcast, Harper took notice of one of Giannis’ multiple shots at his teammates, stating that it was actually a shot at Dame:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240109_BUS_96746_Damian-Lillard-1024x576_6701c109.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Damian Lillard Bucks" class="wp-image-88098" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/11/Damian-Lillard.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Damian Lillard running the point for the Milwaukee Bucks.</figcaption></figure>



“My hot take, safe zone submission: Dame’s gone this summer. You know what I read? You know what I read? When he said, ‘We got to stop dying on screens,’ Oh, myself included. You think that was a direct shot at Dame? Who could it be at? I don’t think he’s taking shots at Cam Payne,” said Harper.



Zarper also quoted fellow Bucks insider Eric Nehm and talked about the fact that Giannis went on a long rant to hold everybody accountable, so it doesn’t seem like he’s too happy about his new partner:



“I think Eric Nehm wrote that Giannis talked for seven and a half minutes on all this, right? Just going off on all this stuff, right? He’s real pissed. And I think that when I saw that we got to stop dying, we can’t die on screens,’ oh, myself included, I was like, ‘Oh, damn’. You saw subtext at Dame,” Harper continued.


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Of course, plenty of things can change and happen from now to the end of the season. But barring a major turn of events, it seems like this partnership won’t be as dominant as most people thought.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="659d4ee1355a857559929a9b" data-title="Was trading for Lillard a mistake?" data-options="2"></div>

Insider predicts Lillard won't stay with Bucks past this season

Giannis Antetokounmpo is tired of Damian Lillard, claims insider - Bolavip US

Giannis Antetokounmpo frustrated with Damian Lillard's defense

Giannis Antetokounmpo is tired of Damian Lillard, claims insider

For more than a decade, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard </a>gave everything to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a>. Even if things didn’t end well, he should be considered one of the best players in franchise history, an icon, and a fan favorite until the end of time.



That’s why every time he faces the Blazers is going to be a major talking point, and by no means just another regular season contest for him. That was evident on Sunday afternoon when he put up 31 points to uplift the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> past his former team.



Needless to say, going against them was a bit of a bizarre feeling for Lillard, who admitted he felt a little weird at first. Even so, he was able to shake things off and help his team get a much-needed triumph.



<h2>Lillard Felt A Little Weird</h2>



“Once I walked in, I saw a lot of familiar faces; I thought about going in the visitors locker room for a second, but I was like, man, this a little bit different,” Lillard said. “When we got on the court, I saw everybody, and it’s a weird feeling. But once we started playing, I got over it quick.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231127_BUS_88219_Damian-Lillard-8-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Damian Lillard" class="wp-image-79787" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Damian-Lillard-8-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Damian-Lillard-8-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Damian-Lillard-8-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Damian-Lillard-8-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Damian-Lillard-8.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Damian Lillard</figcaption></figure>



Lillard requested a trade out of Rip City in the offseason. The team failed to put together a competitive squad around him, and their decision to draft PG Scoot Henderson with the No. 2 pick pretty much sealed Lillard’s exit after 11 seasons, 769 games, and seven All-Star nods.



<h2>Giannis Has Faith On His Team</h2>



The Bucks didn’t get off to a strong start of the season, struggling mightily on the defensive end of the floor and losing games they were supposed to win. Of course, their defense would take a hit without Jrue Holiday, but it was still a worrisome trend.



However, they’ve straightened the course as of late, and Giannis Antetokounmpo believes it’s just a matter of time before he and his new star teammate find their groove together:



“As the season moves forward, we’re going to figure out ways to play with one another,” Antetokounmpo said. “Be more effective, be more efficient with one another, know one another’s spots. We are getting to that point. We are really getting to that point.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231127_BUS_88219_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-and-Damian-Lillard-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard" class="wp-image-75961" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-and-Damian-Lillard-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-and-Damian-Lillard-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-and-Damian-Lillard-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-and-Damian-Lillard-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-and-Damian-Lillard.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard</figcaption></figure>



Per the Greek Freak, it’s all about both of them not changing the way they’ve always played and dominated, and he thinks they have the potential to be one of the best duos in the league:



“At the end of the day, Dame has to be Dame. I have to be me,” Giannis said. “As the games go on, we’re going to keep on figuring ourselves out. The moment we are clicking on a higher level, it’s going to become even more scary as we move forward.”


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The Bucks are now sitting on a 12-5 record, and the third place in the Eastern Conference, and the rest of the league will be in trouble if Lillard and Antetokounmpo combine to average 30+ points per game as they’ve done in their past couple of games.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6564e423f2b571abd7e49ea5" data-title="Will the Bucks make the NBA Finals?" data-options="2"></div>

Damian Lillard admits 'weird feeling' after facing the Blazers

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Damian Lillard admits 'weird feeling' after facing the Blazers - Bolavip US

When the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> Finals, it became clear the team needed to bring help for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a>. That’s why when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> submitted a trade request out of Portland, Pat Riley knew where to set his sights on.



Dame also saw South Florida as a great opportunity to succeed, and did everything he could to get there. But in the end, the Blazers decided to send Lillard to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a>, leaving the Heat without their coveted star. Of course, it was a gut-punch for Miami, after months of waiting to get the veteran guard. But for Lillard, the Bucks were still an attractive landing spot.



“We’ve always been in some form of contact with each other,” Lillard told Fox Sports. “And I said it, initially I was like, ‘I want to go to Miami.’ He was a big part of that. It didn’t happen. I’m here now. But our relationship will be the same. The same respect. It’s just something that didn’t happen. It was out of his control and mine.”



Needless to say, this move will change things for Butler and company. Instead of having a star addition to try and go the distance in 2024, they’ll have yet another powerful opponent in the East.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231025_BUS_79780_Jimmy-Butler-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jimmy Butler" class="wp-image-71432" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Jimmy Butler</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Miami enters the new season without another star</h2>



When the Heat made the Finals last year, it looked pretty clear they had pieces to contend. However, their loss to the Denver Nuggets in five games also proved they needed something else to get the job done. Lillard seemed to be that missing piece, but it won’t be the case.


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Since trade negotiations with the Trade Blazers took so long, by the time the 33-year-old moved to Milwaukee, it was too late to chase another star. Besides, Miami didn’t look that interested in signing another player that wasn’t Lillard either.



Bradley Beal <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/not-only-damian-lillard-another-nba-star-wanted-to-be-traded-to-the-heat-20231023-BUS-79218.html">recently revealed</a> he was keen on joining the Heat this offseason, but the team didn’t want to absorb his monster salary. James Harden emerged as an alternative on the market, since he requested a trade out of Philadelphia. But the Heat never seemed really intrigued about The Beard either.



Lillard seemed to meet all the things Miami was looking for, which was experience, talent, hard work, and desire to succeed. But its compensation didn’t seem to be attractive enough for Portland. Besides, the Blazers seemed to have no intention of trading with the Heat to still be in control of the situation.



<h2>Lillard faces an interesting opportunity in Milwaukee</h2>



Things may have not gone as expected for Lillard, but the Bucks turn out to be a great landing spot for his championship aspirations. In Milwaukee, Dame could form a powerful duo with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231025_BUS_79780_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-4-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Giannis Antetokounmpo" class="wp-image-69964" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-4.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Giannis Antetokounmpo</figcaption></figure>



The Greek Freak had expressed his intention to continue winning rings in his career, suggesting he would leave the team if that’s what it took to succeed. The front office clearly took note of his message, getting the perfect partner to help Giannis get back to glory days.



Lillard, meanwhile, also sees this as his best opportunity to win a championship. “The depth is what makes me think this is my best chance to win. We’ve just got to be healthy. And we’ve got to be together.”


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="653867c2f2b571abd7e46155" data-title="Which team was better for Lillard?" data-options="2"></div>


The Milwaukee Bucks start the 2023-24 NBA season against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, Oct. 26. From then on, both Lillard and Antetokounmpo will be under the microscope as their chemistry is one of the most intriguing topics heading into the season.

Damian Lillard reveals conversation with Jimmy Butler after Heat trade fell apart - Bolavip US

When the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> lost to the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> Finals, it became clear they needed another superstar to help <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a> get the job done next year. That’s when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> emerged as the perfect trade target for the South Florida team.



After years of falling short with the Blazers, Dame requested a trade out of Portland. His favorite landing spot was Miami, where he saw a legitimate chance to contend. But after months of stalling, the Blazers ended up sending the 33-year-old to the Milwaukee Bucks.



It was obviously painful for the Heat, who only were interested in Lillard. In fact, the franchise passed on other star players available on the market. Bradley Beal, for instance, seemed to be keen on moving to Miami. But Pat Riley couldn’t make it work, and in the end, the veteran guard joined the Phoenix Suns.



“So, my initial favorite was Miami,” Beal told Andscape. “And so, we call Miami … we hear back [New York] Knicks, Sacramento, Brooklyn a little bit, and then it was Milwaukee and it was one more big team. So, I didn’t like Knicks. I didn’t like Sac from the standpoint they were still a little too young … And that was kind of one of the most difficult things about every trade and every team. And I respect and love every team, but a lot of them just couldn’t do it because the money was just so high”.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231023_BUS_79218_Bradley-Beal-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Bradley Beal" class="wp-image-72157" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Bradley-Beal-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Bradley-Beal-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Bradley-Beal-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Bradley-Beal-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Bradley-Beal.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Bradley Beal</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Heat fail to get another star for Butler, Adebayo</h2>



The Heat went much further than predicted in 2023. After struggling for consistency in the regular season, Miami had to work its way to the playoffs via the Play-In Tournament. 



A loss to the Hawks forced Erik Spoelstra’s team to play for the eighth seed against the Bulls. When it looked like Chicago would get the win in South Beach, Jimmy Butler stepped up to send his team to the next round.


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From then on, they defied the odds. The Heat took down the No. 1 seed Bucks in the first round, before knocking out the Knicks and Celtics on their way to the Finals. But Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets proved to be too much for the Heat, who won just one game in the series against Denver.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231023_BUS_79218_Jimmy-Butler-6-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jimmy Butler" class="wp-image-72691" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler-6-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler-6-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler-6-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler-6-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/Jimmy-Butler-6.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Jimmy Butler</figcaption></figure>



The fact that they came so close made it look like they would boost their roster by adding another star, but their patience for Lillard proved too costly. The months have passed, and Miami will ultimately enter the new season without another big name. 



Had the Heat kept their options open, Beal would have been an interesting addition. But the financial aspect may have also been a major hurdle in this potential move.



<h2>Beal admits it hurt not to be traded to Miami</h2>



Beal admitted his preferred destination would’ve been Miami, but it was Phoenix who looked willing to make it work. The 30-year-old signed a five-year, $251 million supermax contract with the Wizards in 2022. Therefore, not many teams could absorb that money.


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“With our new CBA [collective bargaining agreement] and the luxury tax, a lot of owners just was like, ‘We don’t want to get hit over the head with that.’ And that’s a respectable decision. If I was the ownership and I’m pouring in billions of dollars, I want to make sure we’re getting a championship out of it too. So, out of nowhere I get a call and it’s Mat Ishbia in Phoenix … That didn’t even cross my mind of going to Phoenix …” said Beal.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6536f7ddf2b571abd7e45f60" data-title="Should Miami have traded for Bradley Beal instead of waiting for Damian Lillard?" data-options="2"></div>


Even then, the veteran guard still wondered where the Heat stood. But at some point, they just admitted they couldn’t do it. Beal said it hurt him, since his desire was to play in Miami. However, the situation was also an “eye-opener” for him, which is why he could see the Suns were a great option as well. One that he didn’t imagine until then, but still.

Not only Damian Lillard: Another NBA star wanted to be traded to the Heat - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>players talk. They’re closer to each other than most fans realize, and some of them like each other betters than other. It happens, and the leagues’ tampering policy has never been fully imposed. Notably, the 2023<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Milwaukee Bucks</a> are proof of that.



Recently, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a> admitted that he had been trying to recruit <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> since the 2023 All-Star break and vice versa, so this trade to the Bucks was months in the making, all behind closed doors:



“Just the fact I’ve been trying to tell him he should come to my team and he’s been telling me I should come to his, and eventually the stars aligned. It ended up happening in his favor,” Lillard said.



Still, this was kind of a shocker for most people in the NBA. Lillard’s camp have leaked that he only intended to play for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Heat,</a> but the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a> didn’t seem eager to grant him that wish.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231015_BUS_75968_Damian-Lillard-11-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-69084" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Damian-Lillard-11-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Damian-Lillard-11-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Damian-Lillard-11-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Damian-Lillard-11-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Damian-Lillard-11.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Damian Lillard</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The Bucks Were Always Lurking</h2>



Multiple teams were reportedly keeping tabs on Lillard. Even so, there was little incentive to make a move for him if he didn’t want to play somewhere else. That didn’t stop the Bucks from making some calls, though.



It became evident at one point that GM Joe Cronin was reluctant to send Lillard to Miami; it didn’t matter how much they offered. It was a matter of principles and making a statement to avoid setting a dangerous precedent of All-Stars handpicking their trade destinations.



That’s when the Bucks swooped right in to one-up every other offer. They offered Jrue Holiday, one of the best defensive players on Earth, and a guy they knew would be easy to flip for more assets. 



<h2>How Does This Affect The Rest Of The League?</h2>



The Bucks had the best record in the league last season, and that was without Damian Lillard. Of course, they’ll miss Jrue Holiday’s pesky backcourt defense, but they got significantly better on the offensive end of the floor, not to mention the fact that they got a better fit next to their star player.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20231015_BUS_75968_Jrue-Holiday-1024x576.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-69488" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Jrue-Holiday-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Jrue-Holiday-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Jrue-Holiday-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Jrue-Holiday-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/09/Jrue-Holiday.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Jrue Holiday</figcaption></figure>



The Boston Celtics also benefitted from this ripple effect. They basically swapped a former Defensive Player of the Year like Marcus Smart for another defensive stalwart at the same position, all while adding Kristaps Porzingis.



From that stanpdoint, this move shouldn’t move the needle in the East, as the Bucks and Celtics were already the No. 1 and No. 2 clear-cut candidates in the conference, and that didn’t change at all.



Nonetheless, the talent gap between them and the rest of the conference got significantly wider. The Miami Heat lost two key rotation pieces in Max Strus and Gabe Vincent, and it’s just a matter of time before the Philadelphia 76ers part ways with James Harden.



If that wasn’t enough, the Phoenix Suns were also big winners, as they were able to flip a wantaway player like Deandre Ayton into even more depth and a defensive-minded big who’s a better fit for Frank Vogel’s system. They’re now the team to beat in the West.


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Lillard, the Bucks, and the Blazers shocked the world with this transaction and pretty much played us all. Now, we’re set to enjoy one of the most competitive seasons in recent history, all thanks to a league-shaking transaction.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="652bfd55f2b571abd7e45134" data-title="Will the Bucks win the NBA championship this season?" data-options="2"></div>

Damian Lillard admits to tampering with Giannis Antetokounmpo

The surprising reason Jimmy Butler is unhappy with Damian Lillard trade to Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo makes bold revelation about duo with Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard admits to tampering with Giannis Antetokounmpo - Bolavip US

The<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Milwaukee Bucks</a> needed to make a big move to convince <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> that they wanted to win another <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>championship as badly as he did.



That’s why they worked behind closed doors to try and get <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard,</a> regardless of the cost. Now, they’re back to being a top-tier contender ahead of the season.



However, adding him to the mix will take some adjustments. Fortunately, Antetokounmpo recently revealed that he’s on board with the former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers </a>star being the most ball-dominant player on the team.



<h2>Giannis Antetokounmpo Says Damian Lillard Will Have The Ball More</h2>



“For me, now, I’m 28. I’m not a kid no more,” Antetokounmpo told Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “You cannot have — obviously, you have to have friendly competition within your team to try to push one another and to be great and be better prepared for the game — but this is not, in no shape or form, any competition between me and him, who’s going to have the ball more. He will have the ball more and I trust, I believe he’s going to find me and not just me, he’s going to find our teammates and put us in the right position.”



Giannis has always posted video game-like numbers, but he’s never been a ‘me first’ kind of player. He knows it takes a team to win and will embrace whichever role he has to embrace.


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At the end of the day, the Bucks will be more than just a two-headed monster, and they could be one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the league for years to come.

Giannis Antetokounmpo makes bold revelation about duo with Damian Lillard - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> were linked with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> for months, and it looked like a matter of time before the Portland Trail Blazers would finally let the veteran guard go. But in the end, Pat Riley couldn’t get the star teammate for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a>.



In a shocking turn of events, the 33-year-old was sent to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a>, where he’s expected to have a run at his first NBA championship next to Giannis Antetokounmpo.



It certainly came out of the blue, as everyone understood Lillard had made it clear he only wanted to play for the Heat. Of course, everyone in South Beach is disappointed with this outcome, including Butler – but not for the obvious reason.



<h2>The hilarious reason Butler is upset with Lillard trade to Bucks</h2>



“I’m happy for both of those guys. I’m more pissed off that he went to Milwaukee, because he went to Adrian Griffin’s team, and everybody knows I don’t like Adrian Griffin at all since my Chicago days. But I’m happy for Milwaukee. They got better, so he gives us the opportunity to be better,” Butler tol reporters.



Far from showing any hard feelings, Butler answered in his classic hilarious style and gave an answer no one expected. Griffin was an assistant in Chicago and had a close relationship with Butler, so the Heat star was obviously joking. 



Either way, the 34-year-old is focused on his own team and doesn’t waste time in complaining about those who are not in their facility. The Heat have a job to do this year, and Butler made it clear he’s ready to go after the coveted ring again.


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<h2>Who plays the Heat at the start of the 2023-24 NBA season?</h2>



The Miami Heat’s first opponent in the 2023-24 NBA season will be the Detroit Pistons on October 25 at 7:30 PM (ET) at Kaseya Center.

The surprising reason Jimmy Butler is unhappy with Damian Lillard trade to Bucks - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Heat</a> swung for the fences and struck out again. They couldn’t get the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a> to trade them <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard,</a> missing on yet another big-name player.



Despite their evident shortage of talent and Tyler Herro’s injury, the Heat made it to the NBA Finals last season. Now, their roster for next season is even thinner at some positions. 



Even so, Heat star<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Jimmy Butler </a>seems unbothered by the fact that his team didn’t get Lillard, as he recently stated that he’s going to be him and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> en route to a ring.



<h2>Jimmy Butler Says He’ll Beat The Bucks</h2>



“I’m happy for Dame to be somewhere where he’s wanted,” Butler said on NBA TV. “He has a chance to win a championship… I’m still going to be me. I’m gonna go beat Dame, Giannis, and Adrian Griffin on our way to a title.”



The Bucks are obviously the team to beat in the Eastern Conference now, and it’s hard to think of any team that could take them down in a seven-game series with Lillard in town.


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But Erik Spoelstra’s team has always found a way to beat the odds and become competitive when the playoffs arrive, so we won’t be the ones placing our wagers against Butler and company.

Jimmy Butler breaks the silence on the Heat's failed pursuit of Damian Lillard

Jimmy Butler breaks the silence on the Heat's failed pursuit of Damian Lillard - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a> has spent his entire <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> career in a small market. He was a part of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a> organization for over a decade, despite the fans’ desire to wach him someplace else.



As you may know by now, the multi-time All-Star has finally joined another team, putting together the strongest squad in the Eastern Conference next to Giannis Antetokounmpo.



However, as excited as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> fans might be for his arrival, some of them might remember that just last year, he seemingly threw shade at their hometown.



<h2>Damian Lillard Once Bashed Milwaukee</h2>



“People going to Oklahoma City, like… no offense, people going to Milwaukee, know what I mean?” he told Draymond Green. “Portland ain’t what people think, otherwise, I wouldn’t have been living here this long.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Damian Lillard&apos;s comments about OKC and Milwaukee resurface “People going to Oklahoma City, like… no offense, people going to Milwaukee, know what I mean? Portland ain’t what people think, otherwise I wouldn’t have been living here this long” (Credits: YT/<a href="https://twitter.com/Volume?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@volume</a>) <a href="https://t.co/h9iOew4DQs">pic.twitter.com/h9iOew4DQs</a>— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBACelebsUpdate/status/1708375811642798292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">No <a href="https://t.co/CUqIrlxDOv">https://t.co/CUqIrlxDOv</a>— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard/status/1362453690557194241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2021</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Well, it’s funny how life can come at you fast, especially in this line of work. The internet never forgets, and it was just a matter of time before these comments resurfaced.


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At the end of the day, Lillard has always been true to his fans, and all that matters is that he leaves everything on the court. It might be a little colder than Miami, but he has a better chance to win a ring there.

Bucks' Damian Lillard once dissed the city of Milwaukee

Bucks' Damian Lillard once dissed the city of Milwaukee - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> are officially the biggest powerhouse in the Eastern Conference right now. With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard’s</a> arrival, they’re poised to compete for another <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> championship.



Of course, losing Jrue Holiday was a big blow for the team. He was a beloved and respected figure inside of the locker room, not to mention his defensive ability and leadership.



According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, that’s why the Bucks kept <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> in the blue about this trade, as they didn’t want him to feel guilty if he voted in favor of trading Holiday.



<h2>Bucks Didn’t Consult With Giannis Over Lillard Trade</h2>



“He [Giannis] literally played no role,” Wojnarowski said. “In fact, John Horst, Milwaukee’s GM, he did not bring this trade idea or sign-off on it to Giannis Antetokounmpo because Jrue Holiday was involved; he did not want to put that on Giannis Antetokounmpo and have that on his conscience.”



Giannis and Holiday had grown close, and he admitted that watching him go was bittersweet. That’s especially tough if you consider the fact that he said he wanted to retire as a Buck less than 24 hours before being traded.


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But that’s just the nature of this often ruthless bussines. No one is safe whenever a superstar becomes available, and teams need to make sacrifices and take risks to get better.

The reason why Bucks didn't consult Giannis Antetokounmpo about Damian Lillard trade

The reason why Bucks didn't consult Giannis Antetokounmpo about Damian Lillard trade - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a> had every right to want a trade away from the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers.</a> However, he and his camp didn’t deal with that in the best way when they leaked his desire to play for the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Miami Heat.</a>



From that point on, GM Joe Cronin pretty much had no choice but to take a stance and refuse to send him to his preferred destination. Otherwise, he would’ve set a dangerous precedent.



That’s why he turned down a very generous offer from Pat Riley and the Heat, sending him to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> instead, even if they couldn’t match the Heat’s assets.



<h2>Blazers Didn’t Want Lillard In Miami</h2>



“The Miami Heat were willing to offer Tyler Herro, Nikola Jovic, 3 first-round picks, first-round pick swaps, and multiple second-round picks for Damian Lillard,” reported Shams Charania.



At the end of the day, Lillard can still feel like the team did him a favor. Truth be told, he’s got a better chance to win a championship than in Miami, which is the big irony here.


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But having players who have multiple years on their contracts handpicking their next destination could be harmful to the league, so props to Cronin for holding his ground.

Heat made astronomical offer for Damian Lillard before trade to Bucks

Blazers turned down a massive trade offer for Damian Lillard - Bolavip US

Blazers turned down a massive trade offer for Damian Lillard

When it looked like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a> was preparing to join the Miami Heat, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a> stepped in and struck a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers to pair <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> with the veteran guard.



Dame had made it clear his desire was to play in South Florida, where he saw a legitimate chance to succeed next to Jimmy Butler and company. However, it turns out that Portland found him another place where he can win.



The deal involved the Phoenix Suns and it cost the Bucks a number of assets, including Jrue Holiday. Therefore, the Greak Freek admitted this deal is kind of bittersweet despite it’s good for his team.



<h2>Giannis sad to see Holiday leave, but happy to have Lillard</h2>



“I’m excited to have Dame,” Giannis told Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. “He gives us a chance to win a championship. I’m excited to play with the caliber of player that he is. He can score the ball in his sleep and shoot the lights out.”



Lillard’s arrival puts the Bucks in a position to succeed again, which is exactly what Giannis wants, as he said this offseason. However, losing a great teammate such as Holiday is still tough for him.



“It’s a bittersweet day for the city of Milwaukee,” Giannis added. “You get Dame, who is a great player, but you lose a great guy. Jrue took us to the promised land. I’m 10 years in now. I know it’s a business. At the end of the day, Jrue will alway be be my brother for life. He’s one of the best human beings I’ve been around. But we’ve got to focus on the goal to win the championship. Dame wants this. He’s hungry to win, and he’s going to push us. I’m very happy to have him on our team.”



No one saw this coming, but it completely makes sense. The Bucks get to give Giannis what he wants, which is help to win more championships, and Lillard finally belongs to a team that can seriously contend.


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<h2>How many years has Lillard spent in Portland?</h2>



Damian Lillard spent 11 years with the Portland Trail Blazers, who drafted him sixth overall in 2012.

Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts to Bucks trading for Damian Lillard: 'Bittersweet'

Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts to Bucks trading for Damian Lillard: 'Bittersweet' - Bolavip US

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