Right before training camps are set to begin, the NBA world has been set ablaze after Damian Lillard was traded on Wednesday afternoon. As part of a three-team deal that also involved the Phoenix Suns, the Portland Trail Blazers agreed to trade Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks in a package revolving around two-time All-Star guard Jrue Holiday.
Lillard, who had spent the first 11 years of his professional career with the Blazers, took to social media after the trade was announced in order to thank the organization and the passionate fan base for everything they've done through the years.
Damian Lillard: “The casuals won’t be addressed but the trailblazers fans and city of Portland that I love truly will be … and they will be addressed truthfully. Stay tuned. Excited for my next chapter! @Bucks 🎟️”
This was just a quick message to the Blazers fans, as it appears Lillard will have a heartfelt message for those who embraced him and allowed him to live out his dreams in Portland.
For over a decade, Lillard has been the face of the Blazers franchise and he will forever go down as one of the greatest players in franchise history. Following this trade, he leaves Portland as their all-time leading scorer, as well as their all-time leader in threes, free-throws, and points per game. Lillard also ranks second and third in career field goals made and total games played with the Blazers, respectively.
The Blazers now enter a new era, one that will feature a rebuild that they have already begun. Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons are two recent first-round picks that will be featured front and center, as will 2023 third overall pick Scoot Henderson. It's also worth noting that Portland acquired Deandre Ayton from the Suns in this deal for Lillard, as well as Holiday from the Bucks. They could possibly land even more youthful talents and future assets in an additional trade involving Holiday.
Dame's time in Portland is now over, as the superstar embarks on a new championship journey in Milwaukee.