The Milwaukee Bucks are entering the offseason with more problems to solve than before. But for NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith, the solution should be trading All-Star point guard Damian Lillard as soon as possible.

Milwaukee Bucks, Damian Lillard


May 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) holds the ball while Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) defends during game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

During the previous offseason, the Bucks’ front office decided to acquire Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for a package headlined by Jrue Holiday in a three-team deal. The wisdom here was to add another credible offensive threat beside Giannis Antetokounmpo and have someone close out games beside him.

Even though Lillard preferred to play for the Miami Heat, the point guard still gave his best for the Bucks. Over the course of the regular season, he averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. The former Rookie of the Year also connected 42 percent from the field, 35 percent from deep, and 92 percent from the free throw line.
Milwaukee Bucks, Damian LillardApr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately, key injuries to both Antetokounmpo and Lillard took them out at crucial parts of the regular season and the Bucks’ first round series against the Indiana Pacers. Add all the chaos caused by Adrian Griffin’s firing and hiring Doc Rivers as his replacement, and Milwaukee never got to make full use of their All-Star duo to dominate the NBA.

The Reason Why Milwaukee Bucks Must Trade Damian Lillard According to Stephen A. Smith

Milwaukee Bucks, Damian LillardApr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) defends during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
After the Bucks were eliminated from the playoffs, several personalities gave their take on what the franchise must do in the offseason. In a video posted by NBA on ESPN’s official YouTube account, Stephen A. Smith said Milwaukee must trade Lillard right away.


According to Smith, the Bucks are getting older and the city isn’t a magnet for free agents. They also don’t have enough assets to surround Antetokounmpo and Lillard with better role players, and they are also in the second apron of the luxury tax. The NBA analyst added that trading the All-Star guard makes sense for the team to become better in the future.
Milwaukee Bucks, Damian LillardApr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defends during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
It remains to be seen what Milwaukee will do with Lillard or if they can use their picks in the upcoming NBA Draft to acquire better pieces for the team. In any case, this offseason is going to be an interesting one for Bucks fans.
Milwaukee Bucks, Damian LillardMay 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) catches the ball while Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) defends during game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

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