Damian Lillard, star of the Portland Trail Blazers, has been a popular trade target this offseason amid NBA trade rumors.
Damian Lillard shares obscure message on Instagram
Speculators have been busy sketching out prospective landing locations for him should he decide to leave the Blazers. The Milwaukee Bucks have been mentioned in connection with a possible deal for Damian Lillard.
It’s no surprise that Lillard relishes the unknown and the opportunity to try out for a new squad. His signature “Dame Time” celebration was recently included in an Instagram post with only three emojis: “♾⌚️🤫.””
Many fans weighed in on the trade speculations surrounding Damian Lillard in the comments section.
The vast majority of respondents were interested in the seven-time NBA All-Star’s future and poked fun at the mounting trade speculations.
Others tried to fathom the significance behind the simple message, with many taking it as a hint for a change of environment and encouraging him to ask for a swap.
A photo of Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, both wearing Portland Trail Blazers jerseys, had previously appeared on the star’s Twitter account, piqueing fans’ curiosity. It could be a hint at wanting to team up with the Greek Freak.
Lillard signed a two-year, max veteran deal worth $121.77 million with the Trail Blazers last summer. Lillard will collect $45,640,084 in 2023-24, up from the $42,492,492 he made this year.
He has even exercised the $48,787,676 player option for the 2024-25 season that Portland gave him last offseason. Lillard cannot be traded before July 9 due to a clause in his contract.
While the photo may suggest Milwaukee trading Antetokounmpo to the Trail Blazers, it appears the Bucks have no interest in moving their best player. After signing a five-year, $228 million max veteran agreement with the Bucks in 2020, Antetokounmpo is locked into the team through the 2025–26 season.
If the rumors about a trade involving Damian Lillard are real and Lillard wants to play with the two-time MVP, he may have to move to Milwaukee.
Joe Cronin, general manager of the Trail Blazers, might ask for a first-round draft pick or possibly more than that.
It’s not unreasonable to expect that from Lillard, who just had his most efficient offensive season of his 11-year NBA career despite being 32 years old. Still, if the Milwaukee Bucks want to compete for an NBA title, it may be worth the cost to sign Lillard.
Jon Horst, general manager of the Bucks, faces a formidable challenge if he wants to sign the Blazers’ superstar to a contract. As a starting point, you could package Jrue Holiday and/or Pat Connaughton with a draft selection and/or other kind of compensation.
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