The Milwaukee Bucks' recent decision to waive and stretch Damian Lillard to make room for Myles Turner has been deemed a major misstep. Now, it's the Portland Trail Blazers who stand to gain the most from this unexpected turn of events.
In a twist of fate, Portland not only welcomes Lillard back on a favorable contract but also retains the assets they acquired when trading him initially. This includes the Bucks' future draft picks-a first-rounder in 2029 and pick swaps in 2028 and 2030-which have suddenly skyrocketed in value.
Bucks Feeling the Heat Without Giannis
The recent matchup highlighted the Bucks' struggles without Giannis Antetokounmpo, as they suffered a heavy 130-99 defeat to Portland. The decision to stretch Lillard's contract means he's still impacting their cap space at $22.5 million annually through the 2029-30 season, leaving them with limited options to bolster their roster around Giannis.
For Portland, this trade was already a coup. They secured key assets to fuel their rebuild, including promising talent like Toumani Camara. Lillard’s return is seen as a strategic "basketball decision," given the improved supporting cast that now surrounds him-something he lacked in his previous tenure.
Lillard's Return: A Game-Changer for Portland
The 2029 first-round pick from the Bucks was previously ranked as a top asset, second only to the New Orleans Pelicans' 2026 pick. This was before the recent Giannis trade talks and the realization that acquiring Turner might have been a franchise-altering blunder.
Lillard's return to Portland was always on the cards, but few expected it to happen just two seasons after his departure. This entire sequence of events is proving pivotal for the Blazers, potentially elevating them to genuine contender status.
Portland's rebuild is already on solid ground, and with future picks and Lillard's anticipated return next season, they're poised to make significant strides-all thanks to the Bucks' risky play to retain Giannis. The Blazers are in an enviable position, with opportunities to further enhance their roster and aim for the top tiers of the league.