© Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Damian Lillard, Cavaliers, A Competitive Eastern Conference
Damian Lillard has finally been traded from the Portland Trail Blazers after months of rumors, reports, whispers, and speculation. It felt like the seven-time All-Star would eventually find his way to the Miami Heat, however, another Eastern Conference contender swooped in to complete the deal.
Dame now joins Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton on the Milwaukee Bucks as they form arguably the best team in all of the NBA.
This trade could have a significant impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers' chance at a Finals appearance as they get ready to begin a season with the highest expectations put on them since LeBron James was in town.
We all know the rumors surrounding Donovan Mitchell and whether or not he wants to be with Cleveland long-term. The Cavs have to prove to him this is the best place for him to win, but that will be difficult to do now that the Bucks are easily the favorite to represent the East in the Finals.
The Bucks finished last season as the number-one seed in the East with a 58-24 record. They were bounced in the first round by the Heat but were still loaded with talent. Then they went out and traded for one of the best point guards in the league in Lillard.
Cleveland will still likely sit towards the top of the Conference with the Bucks as one of the better teams in their Conference next season. However, it doesn't feel like these two teams are in the same tier in terms of talent.
On paper, Milwaukee has a much better roster than the Cavs and this could force Koby Altman and company to look for another upgrade mid-season in order to keep pace with the competition around them.
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None of this is to say that the Cavs don't stand a chance against the Bucks. Cleveland got better themselves this offseason bringing in more shooting in Max Strus and Georges Niang while maintaining a strong defensive identity.
However, they're going to need to be at the top of their game through the full 82-game season so they're reading for a deep playoff run or if they matchup with the Bucks.
