Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard introduced himself to the home fans in exciting fashion after leading the team to an opening night win over the Philadelphia 76ers. He delivered the dagger that ultimately won the game while collecting 39 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. He shot 9-for-20 from the floor while knocking down four triples and making all 17 of his free throw attempts. Lillard's late-game heroics are exactly why the Bucks made this trade and he made them look like geniuses when he delivered yet again. He looks primed to take over a top fantasy spot.

Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard made his first appearance for the team on Sunday, producing 14 points in 22 minutes in a 108-97 victory over the Lakers. With Giannis Antetokounmpo also in the lineup, we got the first glimpse of how Milwaukee's new-look offense will work in 2023-24. The Greek Freak was very happy with his new partner in crime. "I've never been this open," Antetokounmpo said after the game. "And first of all, I've never seen anybody being double-teamed from the first possession of the game." The new star duo left a great impression, but there's certainly room for improvement in Lillard's game after he finished with 3-for-10 shooting. Seven of his attempts came from deep, and he made two of them. Lillard also had two rebounds, three assists, and four steals during his maiden Bucks appearance.

Well, it finally happened. For the first time in 11 years, Damian Lillard is no longer a Trailblazer.On Wednesday, the nearly three-month saga that held NBA news hostage all summer came to an abrupt halt after Lillard was astonishingly acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks. It was a blockbuster three-team deal that included the Phoenix Suns, nine total players, one first-round pick, and one pick swap.Here is the full breakdown of the trade and my analysis of how it will affect the NBA in 2023-2024 and fantasy basketball. 

The Trade

The Bucks receive - Damian LillardThe Blazers receive - Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Bucks' 2029 first-round pick, Bucks' pick swapThe Suns receive - Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, Keon Johnson, ... [More]

The Milwaukee Bucks are trading for Portland Trail Blazers superstar guard Damian Lillard. It's a massive three-team deal that most notably sees the Bucks send Jrue Holiday, an unprotected first-round pick, and unprotected pick swap rights in 2028 and 2030 to Portland. Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson head to the Phoenix Suns as part of the swap. At long last, Lillard's trade request has been fulfilled. Even though he didn't land at his preferred Miami Heat destination, Lillard ends up with another Eastern Conference contender nonetheless. The seven-time All-Star will help form one of the league's most dynamic duos alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. Lillard's overall counting stats could take a slight hit surrounded by more talent than he was with the Blazers, but a potential rise in efficiency should support his top-12 upside in category leagues for upcoming fantasy drafts.

Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald hears from a source that the Miami Heat potentially trading for Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard is becoming "unlikely" with both sides at an impasse in this regard for months now. Portland obviously desires multiple first-round picks and perhaps several of Tyler Herro, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Caleb Martin, but Miami won't seem to budge on what they're willing to offer. It looks like the two sides haven't been more far apart on striking a deal than they are right now with other teams now swooping in on the Lillard sweepstakes. Continue drafting the seven-time All-Star around the Round 1/2 turn in fantasy while this long-drawn-out saga desperately searches for its climax.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo, the Bulls and Raptors have had discussions with the Blazers regarding guard Damian Lillard. After the All-Star requested a trade in July, specifically to Miami, updates cooled off over the last few weeks. However, with training camp on the horizon, teams have emerged as potential suitors. The 33-year-old has spent his entire career in Portland, averaging 25.2 points, including a career-high 32.2 points in 2022-23. Of course, any deal with the Raptors will likely involve Pascal Siakam. On the other hand, the Bulls have young, up-and-coming players on the roster, which would dramatically alter Portland's championship window. But no matter where Lillard lands, assuming he's traded, he's expected to remain a top-10 fantasy option in all formats.

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton is back in trade talks as the team has been receiving calls on his availability in a potential Damian Lillard deal. Jusuf Nurkic has been floated in trade rumors ever since Lillard requested a trade a few months ago. The Trail Blazers haven't found any teams to make a deal work with the Miami Heat since they weren't liking any of their offers. Now, Ayton could possibly be in the mix with Nurkic maybe on his way to Phoenix. Philadelphia, Toronto, and Chicago have all been active in trade talks and Ayton could be the missing piece that ties everything together in a neat bow. If Ayton does move on from Phoenix, his value could increase depending on the situation.

The Portland Trail Blazers are looking to move Damian Lillard sooner rather than later. More specifically, the team hopes to have a deal done surrounding the All-Star guard before training camp begins on October 2. It's been over two months since Lillard requested to be traded, with Miami being his preferred destination. However, after reports surfaced that the Blazers weren't interested in anything the Heat offered, discussions stalled. But now it appears there's a good chance Lillard is dealt sometime soon, although he may not end up in South Beach. That said, he should remain at least a top-10 fantasy option, no matter where he ends up.

According to NBA insider Marc J. Spears, the Trail Blazers have talked with "several teams" regarding a trade surrounding All-Star guard Damian Lillard. The veteran expressed his desire to play in Miami for the last few months. However, since a deal with the Heat doesn't look promising, Lillard recently indicated he would report to training camp for any team, including Portland. Interestingly enough, Spears stopped short of naming "another Eastern Conference" franchise that could emerge for Lillard's services. But for now, not much has changed, although updates should intensify with the start of the season right around the corner.

Updating a previous report, Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard would report to training camp for whatever team he is traded to, per Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian. Fentress writes that an NBA source has relayed to them that "Lillard, through a statement, said he would honor his contract by reporting wherever the Blazers traded him." This comes as a counter to The Athletic's Shams Charania's report that Lillard would only show up for either Blazers or Miami Heat camp. It could potentially shift the entire landscape in short order on the Lillard trade front, which has been a dormant one for quite some time. The 33-year-old superstar has $216 million across four years remaining on his current contract, and there's reason to believe now that more teams could enter the Lillard sweepstakes based on his new reported stance.

The Athletic's Shams Charania expects the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat to re-engage before the start of training camp in trade talks for guard Damian Lillard. The 33-year-old Lillard's intentions have long been clear: he desires to be shipped to the Heat. Prior reports have indicated that the focal point of Miami's package features Tyler Herro, however, and Portland has exhibited reluctance in accepting him as the key acquisition of a potential deal. Charania believes Lillard would not even report to camp if traded elsewhere from South Beach, but suggests he would show up for the Blazers if he stays put. There certainly seems to be some risk involved with spending a first-round pick on Lillard in fantasy drafts right now, at least until this long-running saga reaches its finale.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has made it known that he wants to be traded this offseason. The 33-year-old expressed high praise for Portland, but also mentioned that he wants to win a title now. The Blazers have failed to build a legitimate contender around Lillard, so the superstar guard is ready to move on. The Miami Heat appear to be the only team on Lillard's wishlist right now. However, the two sides don't appear to be anywhere close to a deal. In fact, the Blazers and Heat aren't having any meaningful conversations involving a Lillard trade. This could become a messy situation very quickly with the regular season quickly approaching.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard confirmed he asked to be traded. During a conversation with NBA insider Marc J. Spears, the multi-time All-Star expressed his love for the city of Portland while adding that his desire to win a title "is as high as it's probably going to be." Lillard has been a Trail Blazer since 2012-13, his first season in the league, and has averaged 25.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in 769 career appearances. While the 33-year-old didn't get into specifics about his desired landing spot, especially since he doesn't want to be fined, Miami is the only team that appears to be on his wish list. However, with Portland not interested in anything the Heat have to offer, it seems there's a shot that Lillard will remain in Portland for the 2023-24 campaign.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has unfollowed the team on Instagram, a social media website. Nobody can say for sure when this happened, but most assume it came after the All-Star requested a trade to the Heat in July. With September right around the corner, Lillard's wish still hasn't been granted, primarily since the Blazers aren't interested in any package Miami has offered. However, with some time left before the start of the 2023-24 campaign, both sides may eventually come to an agreement. But if a trade isn't done, Lillard could remain in Portland this season, considering Miami is his preferred destination.

The Miami Heat are reportedly assembling a trade proposal for Portland Trail Blazers superstar point guard Damian Lillard. Shams Charania of The Athletic writes that the package would include "expiring deals, three to four first-round picks and one of the team's younger players". The framework of the potential offer would also feature "Tyler Herro going to a third team" with possible "second-rounders and draft pick swaps". While Miami prepares their haul in an effort to acquire Lillard, sources also indicate there is still "no real traction on any kind of a deal". The cause for the snag in negotiations is likely due to Portland's previously-reported lack of interest in Herro. The ability to find a third team as an alternative suitor for Herro's services perhaps remains the key for fulfilling a swap here.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard isn't expected to add to his list of preferred trade destinations. The NBA took issue with Lillard's supposed desire to play in Miami and nowhere else, something he and his agent have denied. However, despite the league's involvement, it doesn't appear that the multi-time All-Star is willing to consider playing anywhere other than South Beach. That said, this situation doesn't have an end in sight, so fantasy managers may be hearing about this at least until training camp.

Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard seems to have drawn the NBA's ire for his specific trade request to the Miami Heat. Shams Charania reports that the league has "advised both Lillard and Goodwin [Lillard's agent] that any future comments of the sort as far as him wanting to only play in Miami will potentially subject him to discipline". The NBA has also issued a league-wide memo pertaining to this type of matter. Lillard's agent has reportedly denied informing other teams that his client is only willing to play for the Heat. It's another layer of drama to add to this long-running saga, which began nearly a month ago. The negotiations between Portland and Miami in regard to Lillard's trade request seem to remain in a stalemate at this time.

The Miami Heat have reportedly expressed reluctance in including some of their young players in trade talks surrounding Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard. Sam Amick of the Athletic reports that "the idea of losing key contributors like Caleb Martin, or young talents like Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. would only limit their title-contending prospects". Miami's hesitance in this regard has caused discussions involving Lillard to stall a bit. If the Heat are serious about acquiring the superstar's services in a swap without featuring Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo, they may be hard-pressed to retain their preferred role players.

According to Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian, the Blazers are seeking a lot in return for guard Damian Lillard, including roughly four first-round picks and two quality players. While most had expected that acquiring the multi-time All-Star wouldn't come cheap, the asking price is higher than anticipated, considering his age. Lillard finished last season by averaging a career-high 32.2 points. However, he requested a trade the day after the 2023 NBA Draft. Miami is reportedly the only team he wants to play for, although Philadelphia and Boston have emerged in recent rumblings. That said, Portland may be raising the bar high on purpose, so it appears Lillard could remain with the team in 2023-24, even if the chances are slim.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, guard Damian Lillard expressed his desire to play for the Heat. The veteran averaged a career-high 32.2 points last season. He also logged 7.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds and shot 37.1% from deep. However, he requested a trade a few days ago, with Miami being mentioned as his preferred destination. Of course, other teams have called the Blazers regarding Lillard, although the front office will take its time in order to find the best deal possible.