One of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ex-teammates is lobbying for a reunion on the West Coast.
The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly “trying to get into the mix” of teams bidding for Antetokounmpo. According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, Blazers guard Damian Lillard is pulling some strings “behind the scenes” to push Portland to trade for his former Milwaukee Bucks co-star.
Giannis would also be reuniting with Jrue Holiday in such a deal. The Bucks’ starting point guard during their 2021 championship run was sent to Portland in the deal that brought Lillard to Milwaukee. Holiday was subsequently dealt to the Boston Celtics.
The Blazers informed the Bucks that they were joining the Giannis sweepstakes last week, and Lillard is apparently keen on his team being the highest bidder.
The Blazers would be an intriguing landing spot for Antetokounmpo. In addition to the veteran backcourt of Holiday and Lillard, Giannis would also be slotting next to first-time All-Star Deni Avdija, the favorite to win this year’s Most Improved Player award.
Portland probably has Avdija as off-limits in any talks, but former No. 2 pick Scoot Henderson could be included in an Antetokounmpo trade package. The Blazers could also add first-round centers Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen to any deal, as well as defensive dynami Toumani Camara.
The Blazers may not look like a contender right now. But that could change in an instant once the Greek Freak starts rocking a red-and-black uniform.
