Stephen A. Smith Thinks NBA Star Point Guard Should Be Traded

03/05/2024 17:54

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith believes the Milwaukee Bucks should trade Damian Lillard this offseason. 

The Bucks parted ways with Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, a 2029 first-round pick and a pair of first-round pick swaps to acquire Lillard in September. The belief was that Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo would form the best duo in the league. 

Unfortunately for the Bucks, Antetokounmpo and Lillard were both injured for the first round of the playoffs. They were ultimately eliminated from the postseason on Thursday night. 

Since the Bucks are getting older, Smith thinks Milwaukee would be wise to ship out Lillard before it's too late.

"My belief is they should trade Damian Lillard," Smith said. "I know that's going to be very difficult to do. I'm not questioning his greatness at all. When Damian Lillard is healthy, I believe in this brother. I don't care how much he gets paid in today's NBA economy. I think he's spectacular, I believe in him. 

"But there are two things that come to mind when it comes to Damian Lillard and why I said what I just said. They [the Bucks] are not young. He's 34 and Giannis is 30. They're getting older, they don't have free agent capabilities, and they're approaching the luxury tax. Their maneuverability is limited. The second thing, and I'm not making this up - Damian Lillard was on the record talking about how life was a bit rough being in Milwaukee. Clearly, that wasn't his first choice. He wanted to be in Miami." 

Lillard is under contract through the 2025-26 season. He also has a player option for the following season. 

If the Bucks move on from Lillard this offseason, that could signal their shift from playoff contender to rebuilding franchise.