Bucks acquire Lillard from Trail Blazers, become NBA title favorites

To the surprise of probably no one, the Portland Trail Blazers traded star guard Damien Lillard prior to the start of the 2023-24 NBA regular season.

However, few people could have anticipated the destination.

Instead of going to the defending Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat, Lillard was shipped off to the 2021-22 NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks. Portland traded its face of the franchise on Wednesday afternoon in a 3-team deal that also included the Phoenix Suns. In addition to Lillard’s move to Milwaukee, highlights include former Suns center Deandre Ayton going to the Trail Blazers and former Bucks guard Jrue Holiday landing — at least for now — in Portland.

Bucks become favorites to win 2023-24 NBA title

Prior to Wednesday’s blockbuster transaction, the Bucks could be found as high as +850 to win the 2023-24 NBA title — trailing the defending champion Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics and Suns at many Sportsbooks.

Now Milwaukee has immediately rocketed up to the title favorite. At DraftKings, this powerhouse team climbed from +850 to +400 to win the NBA championship, +330 to +165 to win the Eastern Conference, -230 to -380 to win the Central Division and +220 to +125 to be the #1 seed in the East.

The Bucks’ new Big 3 now features Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis also figure to be in the starting rotation.

NBA title odds following the Damien Lillard trade

Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook

Milwaukee Bucks +400
Denver Nuggets +475
Boston Celtics +500
Phoenix Suns +600
Los Angeles Lakers +1200
Golden State Warriors +1300
Philadelphia 76ers +1500
Los Angeles Clippers +1800
Dallas Mavericks +2200
Miami Heat +2800
Memphis Grizzlies +2800