From May 15, 2022:
https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard/sta...06892878254080
From May 15, 2022:
https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard/sta...06892878254080
From May 15, 2022:
https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard/sta...06892878254080
With all the unprotected picks dealt through the end of the decade, the Bucks will be heavy in the free agent market for a long time.
They probably need to win a title or two in the next couple years. Dame is 33, so probably a 2-4 year window to get more titles with him (for context, Chris Paul is 38, Wade retired at 37). Giannis probably has a good 6-8 years so if they can keep him happy, as a team they could be at least competitive through 2030 when that last draft swap is. Will make rebuilding post-Giannis much more difficult, though.
While the NBA is not happy about the practice, the Bucks should be able to allow Lillard plenty of rest / load management days and still land one of the top couple seeds in the East. Hopefully that helps extend Lillard's playing days.
A great time to get this deal done. The Bucks open training camp October 3. Certainly more ideal than midseason, right before the trade deadline, with only 2 months before the playoffs begin.
Lillard is one of the few guys in the NBA (Steph Curry, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant) that you have to account for as soon as they cross half-court. Just an unreal, overall offensive player. Great move by the Bucks.
https://youtu.be/Pq0XEGaf5u8