How Does Damian Lillard To Milwaukee Bucks Affect The Miami Heat?

Damian Lillard has officially been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a deal centered around Jrue Holiday and Deandre Ayton

The Damian Lillard trade saga has finally come to a close, but not with the result the Miami Heat were expecting.

Earlier today, news broke from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the Portland Trail Blazers All-Star guard was being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team deal. The worst-case scenario for Miami was Lillard joining an Eastern Conference contender.

After being the favorites to acquire Lillard all offseason, the Heat’s strategy of believing in their current roster has proven unsuccessful.

The Bucks now have the most talented duo in the league with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Not to mention, they were not forced to part ways with former All-Star forward Khris Middleton.

The Heat were heavily reliant on the acquisition of Lillard to pair alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Now the Heat are forced to compete with a depleted roster compared to last season.

The full trade details are as follows, according to Wojnarowski: Milwaukee receives Lillard, and the Phoenix Suns acquire Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson. Portland will receive Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 unprotected first round pick, and unprotected Milwaukee swap rights in 2023 and 2030.

It seems impossible for the Heat to contend with Lillard joining the Bucks, but after their historic NBA Finals run, you can never count them out.

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Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @anthonypasci