Damian Lillard Trade Re-Routes Former First Overall Pick, Incoming Rookie and Future Draft Capital

In what was a blockbuster move, draft capital was traded along with a former top overall pick and incoming rookie in the Damian Lillard deal.

After a long offseason of trade reports and drama surrounding Portland Trail Blazers superstar guard Damian Lillard, a deal has finally been made. With that in mind, it wasn't with the Miami Heat as expected.

Instead, the Milwaukee Bucks made the significant splash, landing Lillard to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo. It took a three-team deal involving the Phoenix Suns to make it work, which resulted in many former and future draft picks being moved.

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Bucks Receive: 

• Damian Lillard 

Blazers Receive: 

• Jrue Holiday 

• Deandre Ayton 

• Toumani Camara

• 2029 First-Round Pick

• Two Future Pick Swaps 

Suns Receive: 

• Jusuf Nurkic 

• Grayson Allen 

• Nassir Little 

• Keon Johnson

While Lillard is the obvious headliner of the deal, there's much more to the transaction overall.

For starters, Deandre Ayton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, but will now be a member of the Trail Blazers. He's had an up-and-down career, but a change of scenery and a more prominent role could be really good for the 7-footer.

Furthermore, Grayson Allen (No. 21 in 2018), Keon Johnson (No. 21 in 2021), Jusuf Nurkic (No. 16 in 2014) and Nassir Little (No. 25 in 2019) are all former first rounders that will be joining a Suns team with championship aspirations. 

Portland is bringing in a first-round pick in 2019 and two future swaps along with rookie Toumani Camara who will have a real chance to earn minutes this season with the Blazers. The forward out of Dayton had a fantastic college career which resulted in him being selected No. 52 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. On a rebuilding team, he could emerge as a very valuable piece. 

Toumani Camara Scouting Report

As more information on the protections and details surrounding the draft capital that was traded, Draft Digest will keep you covered.

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