Bucks assistant GM Milt Newton particulars Damian Lillard commerce course of

Milwaukee Bucks assistant common supervisor Milt Newton not too long ago offered perception into the high-profile commerce that introduced Damian Lillard to Milwaukee final summer season.

Newton shared that the commerce talks started when Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, approached the Bucks concerning the star guard’s curiosity in becoming a member of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“At first, everybody thought Dame was going to Miami,” Newton defined, by way of HoopsHype.

Nevertheless, Goodwin made it clear that Lillard prioritized successful and noticed Milwaukee as a possible vacation spot.

“When Aaron instructed us Dame needed to play with Giannis and requested if we had curiosity, after all, we have been intrigued,” Newton stated.

The Bucks shortly engaged in discussions with the Portland Path Blazers to discover the potential for buying Lillard.

“Once we began speaking to Portland, they laid out what it might take to make the commerce occur,” Newton famous.

Whereas the asking value was steep, the Bucks have been keen to half with key belongings in trade for a participant of Lillard’s caliber.

“We have been like, ‘Wow, that’s rather a lot,’ however we have been getting one of many high 75 gamers within the historical past of the sport,” Newton continued.

The commerce, finalized in late September 2023, was a part of a three-team deal that despatched Jrue Vacation to the Blazers and Grayson Allen to the Phoenix Suns.

In return, Milwaukee landed Lillard, including a seven-time All-Star to a core already that includes Giannis and Khris Middleton.

Newton emphasised the Bucks’ perception of their new “Huge Three” and their capability to compete on the highest stage.

“We consider that with a wholesome Giannis, Khris, and Dame, we will likely be an unbeatable staff within the playoffs,” he added.

The acquisition of Lillard marked a brand new chapter for the Bucks, who have been desperate to bounce again from a disappointing first-round exit within the earlier postseason.

Newton expressed confidence within the staff’s path following the Lillard commerce and the brand new teaching workers’s strategy.

The Bucks’ entrance workplace considered the commerce as a crucial step to maximise their championship window with Giannis and Middleton of their primes.

Nevertheless, regardless of these strikes, Milwaukee’s season took a difficult flip as each Lillard and Antetokounmpo handled accidents late within the yr.

Antetokounmpo missed time as a result of a calf damage, whereas Lillard additionally confronted well being setbacks that impacted the staff’s playoff efficiency.

Milwaukee clinched its eighth consecutive playoff berth however was eradicated within the first spherical by the Indiana Pacers for the second straight yr.