Giannis regrets losing Holiday but is delighted to gain Lillard

The Milwaukee Bucks did not consult Giannis Antetokounmpo before acquiring Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers due to Antetokounmpo’s close relationship with Jrue Holiday, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

The Bucks traded Holiday to the Blazers for Lillard. Milwaukee apparently didn’t want to put Antetokounmpo in an awkward position.

“Directly, he (Antetokounmpo) literally played no role,” Wojnarowski said. “In fact, (Bucks GM) Jon Horst did not bring this trade idea or sign off on it to Giannis Antetokounmpo because Jrue Holiday was involved and the relationship there and the reverence that this organization and these players have for Holiday. He did not want to put that to Giannis Antetokounmpo and have him have that on his conscious necessarily that he might sign off or not sign off on it.”

Holiday appeared in 193 games with the Bucks. He averaged 18.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists. Holiday and Antetokounmpo helped Milwaukee win the 2021 NBA championship over the Phoenix Suns in six games.

After Lillard realized the Blazers wouldn’t trade him to the Miami Heat, the seven-time All-Star became open to playing for the Bucks and Brooklyn Nets. Milwaukee now has arguably the best Big 3 in the NBA in Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Antetokounmpo.

Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists last season for the Blazers. He’ll make $46.6 million next season. Lillard signed a two-year, $121.8 million extension with Portland in July 2022.

Antetokounmpo is eligible for a three-year, $186.6 million extension with the Bucks before the start of the 2023-24 regular season or a commitment for up to four years and $260 million next offseason. Milwaukee delivered the three-year extension to Antetokounmpo in recent days, according to NBA The Athletic.