To the surprise of probably no one, the Portland Trail Blazers traded star guard Damien Lillard prior to the start of the 2023-24 NBA regular season.
However, few people could have anticipated the destination.
Instead of going to the defending Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat, Lillard was shipped off to the 2021-22 NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks. Portland traded its face of the franchise on Wednesday afternoon in a 3-team deal that also included the Phoenix Suns. In addition to Lillard’s move to Milwaukee, highlights include former Suns center Deandre Ayton going to the Trail Blazers and former Bucks guard Jrue Holiday landing — at least for now — in Portland.
Bucks become favorites to win 2023-24 NBA title
Prior to Wednesday’s blockbuster transaction, the Bucks could be found as high as'+850 to win the 2023-24 NBA title — trailing the defending champion Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics and Suns at many sportsbooks.