Over the course of 11 fruitful years with the Trail Blazers, guard Damian Lillard gradually became an icon in the Beaver State—as wholly Oregonian as Crater Lake or Portlandia, in which he once appeared.
It appears to have taken Lillard one day to find a similar level of support in his new home.
About 72 hours after Portland traded him to the Bucks in a three-team deal, Lillard was feted by huge crowds in a welcome rally as he arrived in Milwaukee to join his new team.
Fans clad in Milwaukee regalia lined the streets of Cream City as well as the route to Fiserv Forum to welcome forward Giannis Antetokounmpo's new running mate.
Damian Lillard has arrived. pic.twitter.com/VvGjU4Stgp
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) September 30, 2023
The love for Dame in Milwaukee! (via @bucks) pic.twitter.com/4B5AZFtkv2
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) September 30, 2023
The Bucks acquired Lillard on Wednesday in exchange for guard Jrue Holiday and three first-round draft picks; Milwaukee sent guard Grayson Allen to the Suns in the deal as well.
Looking to shake off an unexpected first-round exit in 2023, the Bucks are scheduled to open the regular season against the 76ers on Oct. 26.
