It once seemed as though Damian Lillard would be a Trail Blazer for life, but after missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, he and the franchise are going in a new direction.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Trail Blazers have agreed to a trade that will send Lillard to the Bucks.
The No. 6 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Lillard put together a Hall of Fame career in his 11 years with the Trail Blazers. He earned seven All-Star selections and seven All-NBA selections in Portland with averages of 25.2 points, 6.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game.
The Trail Blazers made the playoffs in eight straight seasons with Lillard leading the way, peaking in 2019 with a trip to the Western Conference Finals. He leaves as the franchise's all-time leader in a number of categories, including points and 3-pointers made.
Lillard will now have an opportunity to compete for a championship with Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Here's everything you need to know about the blockbuster trade that ends Lillard's time in Portland.
Damian Lillard trade details
Bucks receive:
- Damian Lillard
Trail Blazers receive:
- Jrue Holiday
- Deandre Ayton
- Toumani Camara
- 2029 unprotected first-round pick
- 2028 unprotected swap rights
- 2030 unprotected swap rights
Suns receive:
- Jusuf Nurkic
- Grayson Allen
- Nassir Little
- Keon Johnson
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news that Lillard is going to the Bucks in a three-team trade.
In return, the Trail Blazers will receive Jrue Holiday from the Bucks and Deandre Ayton from the Suns as part of the deal. Phoenix will land Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.
The Trail Blazers will also receive a first-round pick from the Bucks and swap rights in 2028 and 2030.
Damian Lillard contract details
In 2022, Lillard signed a two-year, $122 million extension with the Trail Blazers that includes a $63.2 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
If Lillard picks up his player option, he will be an unrestricted free agent in the 2027 offseason.
| Season | Salary |
| 2022-23 | $42,492,492 |
| 2023-24 | $45,640,084 |
| 2024-25 | $48,787,676 |
| 2025-26 | $58,545,211 |
| 2026-27 | $63,228,828 (PO) |
| 2027-28 | UFA |
According to Spotrac, Lillard's career earnings will increase to $449.9 million at the end of his current contract.
