Breaking News came down on Wednesday as Damian Lillard was traded from the Portland Trailblazers to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a massive three-team deal. Rumors had been speculating for months that Lillard would find his new home in Miami or even Toronto after making it known publicly he wanted to continue his career elsewhere. The Bucks have now positioned themselves to be the dominant contender in the East for years to come.
This move as several trickle-down affects that the Atlanta Hawks may want to keep an eye on. Jrue Holiday was sent back to Portland as part of the deal and according to reports they are expected to try and find a suitor as they look to rebuild their franchise. Holiday would provide versatile and much-needed defense in an already potent backcourt with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. In an offseason that has seen little movement outside of shipping John Collins to Utah, a splash move for Holiday would satisfy the needs of many Hawks faithful. His $34 million/year contract will most likely be seen as onerous.
Dukes & Bell reacted to the trade and how it could affect things in Atlanta
“I just don’t see the Hawks doing anything, unfortunately,” Mike Bell solemnly declared. “I think you have money (a $25.3 million trade exception from the Collins trade) and you’re just not using it right now to replace John Collins’ production,” He added.
“I’d love this Holiday. Championship pedigree. Big shots, etc.” Carl Dukes responded.
This move ultimately does not move where the Hawks will be seen in the pecking order in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks were already seen as one of the favorites and this move only bolsters their chances. The Hawks will once again enter the season as one of the wildcards. If Quin Snyder can tap into the potential of Young and Murray they could see themselves out of the play-in round back into a top-six seed.