NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith believes the Milwaukee Bucks might trade Damian Lillard depending on their playoff performance. Lillard, recently acquired by the Bucks, is reportedly unhappy in Milwaukee due to personal reasons, not basketball.
Smith suggested on ESPN that a first-round playoff exit could lead to Lillard’s departure. He mentioned that Damian Lillard missed his family and friends after his move from Portland. Besides, the player himself admitted feeling lonely in February.
“If Milwaukee loses, I think you need to consider moving Dame up and out of there,” Smith told Shannon Sharpe on ESPN‘s First Take. However, Sharpe pointed out that Damian Lillard has just landed in Milwaukee, to which Smith replied, “I’m not talking about his game. He’s not happy there. He’s got a lot of distractions, which are his business, and we wish him nothing but the best, because a lot of us would not be able to handle it as well as he’s handling it.”
While Smith wishes Lillard the best, he suggests the personal struggles might be impacting his happiness in Milwaukee. The Bucks will face the Pacers in the first round, and hopefully, a strong playoff run can turn things around for Lillard.
Damian Lillard scored career low this season at Bucks
Damian Lillard is not quite himself in Milwaukee. He’s averaging a career-low 24.3 points this season (not counting the shortened 2021–22 season), and his three-point shooting is at its worst in nearly a decade.
Despite the struggles, Lillard stays positive. He believes the Bucks can still make a run in the playoffs, especially with home-court advantage. He’s familiar with the Indiana Pacers, their fast pace, and their scoring threats.
There were rumors that Lillard wanted to go to Miami when he requested a trade from Portland last year. If Milwaukee exits the playoffs early, maybe a South Beach move could still be on the cards for Lillard in 2025.
