“Get to Milwaukee!”: Celtics’ Legend ‘Predicted’ Damian Lillard Trade 77 Days Before ‘$45.64 Million Team Up’ With Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks pulled off a blockbuster deal during the dying days of the 2023 off-season. Merely six days ago, in a shocking turn of events, the Wisconsin side swooped in to acquire Damian Lillard. With this trade, the Bucks will team Dame up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, paying his $45.64 million salary for the upcoming campaign. Initially, the Miami Heat, the Chicago Bulls, and the Toronto Raptors were considered favorites in the race to land Lillard. However, 77 days before the deal was finalized, Paul Pierce had already predicted this link-up.

In the 2019 summer, after leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a run to the Conference Finals, Damian Lillard was rewarded with a massive four-year, $176 million extension. He further agreed to a two-year extension last summer. The sharpshooter will earn $45.64 million this upcoming season. Whereas, over the next four years, Dame is set to pocket almost $215 million.

Paul Pierce was spot-on with his prediction of the Milwaukee Bucks-Damian Lillard deal

Just moments after Damian Lillard had demanded a trade, several analysts and enthusiasts began predicting his next destination. While the majority of the basketball community was certain that Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat would add Dame to their squad, Paul Pierce went a different route.

During an appearance on a live session with SHOWTIME Basketball in mid-July, Pierce claimed that the Dame-Bucks link-up would be extremely beneficial for both. The Boston Celtics legend also predicted that the Bucks would involve Jrue Holiday in a package and retain Khris Middleton.

“If I could pick a place for Dame, I’ll find a way to get to Milwaukee. You could kind of trade like Jrue Holiday, I like Jrue, and replace him with Dame… But they need that, Antetokounmpo need the other consistent scorer. Middelton’s been injured and he slowing down.

If you put Middleton, Dame, and Antetokounmpo together, you think that ain’t going to win it? The way Dame is clutch? The way Dame is a top 75 Hall-Of-Fame player?”

As bizarre as it sounds, exactly 77 days after The Truth’s take, the Milwaukee side pulled off the exact same trade. In order to acquire the star guard, the Bucks had to part ways with Holiday, Grayson Allen, and three draft picks.

Antetokounmpo and Lillard are ready to win

This off-season, Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo have both put an emphasis on winning the Championship. Reports suggested that Dame’s camp only wanted to be dealt away to a team that was constructed well enough to compete for the title. On the other hand, Giannis worried numerous Milwaukee fans by expressing concerns over the franchise’s mindset. A team-up between the two makes the perfect sense.

The Greek Freak didn’t waste any time before welcoming his new teammate. As soon as the Dame-Bucks deal was finalized, the two-time MVP sent out a text to Lillard, making his goals for the campaign crystal clear.

During the Media Day, Lillard also spoke about the trade to the Eastern Conference powerhouse. Reiterating himself, the seven-time All-Star revealed his desire to win the title.

If the Bucks are able to live up to their hype, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be expected to sign a contract extension with the team.