Report says the trade for Damian Lillard seen as a big win in more ways than one

The Bucks' acquisition of Damian Lillard goes beyond his scoring and shotmaking.

Jonas Panerio | Jan 21, 2024

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1)

The Milwaukee Bucks’ acquisition of Damian Lillard in the offseason caught the NBA by surprise. Like a hawk swooping in for the kill, the Bucks swooped in and traded for the All-Star point guard to pair with their MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo. While many were skeptical of how Lillard would fit into a team with a dominant ball handler in Giannis, it seems the move has paid off in more ways than one.

According to The Athletic’s Josh Robbins, adding Lillard gave the Bucks’ offense another legitimate threat while also assuring Giannis how serious the franchise is about chasing NBA titles.

Locked down Antetokounmpo

Dame has seamlessly integrated himself into the Bucks’ roster, and the numbers show it—25.2 points and 6.8 assists per game to help power the Bucks to the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. Lillard’s defensive deficiencies are well-known, but still, the Bucks’ move to acquire him was a massive boon for the franchise since it helped lock down Giannis for the next few seasons.

“The Lillard trade already has been a huge win for the Bucks, and here’s why: It helped pave the way for Giannis Antetokounmpo to sign a contract extension,” Gibbons wrote.

“The extension runs through the 2026-27 season and includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. Keeping Giannis keeps the Bucks relevant.”

Giannis and Dame combined for 65 points in a 119-111 win over the Cavs on December 29, 2023.

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Giannis is happy in Milwaukee

History has shown that the league’s big-name stars almost always find their way to the big markets, whether in Los Angeles, New York, or Miami. But The Greek Freak has been different. Despite being a two-time MVP and one of the best players in the league, he has remained loyal to Milwaukee and has expressed his happiness with the organization.

Having a seven-time All-Star as a teammate also helps.

“As much as I enjoy Milwaukee as a great place to raise a family, it’s not one of the NBA’s glamour cities. All small-market franchises have to worry about keeping their superstars. But Antetokounmpo has remained happy in Milwaukee; a large part of that has to do with his essential character traits, of course, but it also stems from the Bucks doing what’s been necessary to surround him with the right players. Adding Lillard certainly qualifies. And that already makes adding Lillard a huge win,” Gibbons continued.