The Damian Lillard trade farce is finally over, at least, we think. The former Portland Trail Blazers star was eventually traded to the Milwaukee Bucks and didn't get the Miami Heat he wanted to go to, and it remains to be seen if Lillard will stick with it, but he should be comfortable partnering Alphabet Brother.
The deal is a blockbuster three-way deal that also involves the Phoenix Suns, with full deal details including multiple stars and huge salaries. Among them, Milwaukee got Lillard, and there were new stars in the backfield. The Blazers received Joe Holladay, DeAndrew Ayton, Tumani Camara, Milwaukee's unprotected first-round pick in 2029, and two Milwaukee draft picks in 2028 and 2030. Phoenix got Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nasir Little and Kean Johnson.
The trailblazers are not over. They are now actively trying to move Holladay out as they promise to put together a younger squad.
Currently, the Bucks rank higher among their competitors. On paper, the Suns have also gotten better and now have more room for Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant as they eventually trade Ayton.
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are now teaming up in Milwaukee, and the Bucks came out of nowhere to win Lillard. They may now be the favourites to win the Eastern Conference championship. Let's take a look at three reasons why the Bucks will win a championship next season.
3. Damian Lillard is an upgraded version of Joe Holloday
The Bucks are strong enough to win a championship in 2021 and were also number one in the Eastern Conference last season. Holladay was one of the key players for the Bucks to win the championship, and now they have Lillard, on the offensive end, he is Holladay's main promotion, but on the defensive end, it is almost meaningful.
Both are All-Stars, averaging doubles per game. Since 2019, though, Holloday hasn't averaged more than 20 points per game in a season.
Lillard is one of the league's most prolific scorers. Since 2015-16, he has averaged at least 25 points per season. Lillard missed most of the 2015-16 season due to injury, where he averaged 24.0 points in 29 games.
From Holladay to Lillard, the Bucks' increased scoring on the offensive end will greatly improve the team's offense, which will also help reduce the pressure on the Alphabet brother to lead the team.
2. Chris Middleton and Brooke Lopez will have more open seats
Damian Lillard has given the Bucks unprecedented space. Now that Alphabet Brother probably no longer needs outside shots, Lillard is immediately the best outside shooter on a team full of good shooters.
That means Middleton has more chances and Lopez may also have more open opportunities. Middleton will no longer be a major threat to the outside, and when opponents focus on Lillard and Alphabet Brother, opponents will pay much less attention to his defense.
1. Alphabet Brother needs more breaks
In the absence of Alphabet Brother, Damian Lillard now brings a force that can lead the team on his own. At the time of the alphabet brother's rotation or his possible injury, the team will no longer face a very serious decline.
Damian Lillard has the ability to lead the team alone to win games in a long season of 82 games. The former trail blazer should also pick himself up and be eager to return to his amazing performances over the past year.
The Bucks are now the best hope to win an NBA championship, with odds already surpassing the Denver Nuggets. Lillard's addition constitutes one of the best duos in the league. The Bucks' goal next season can only be to win a championship, otherwise it is a failure.
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