Stephen A. Smith Explains Why Bucks Should Trade Damian Lillard

Heading into the 2023-24 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks were considered one of the favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.

Acquiring former Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard in a trade before the regular season, many in the NBA world felt that Milwaukee's star-studded duo of Dame and Giannis Antetokounmpo could carry them to a title.

Unfortunately, though, injuries impacted both of the Bucks' superstars at the absolute worst time.

Giannis, after suffering a calf injury in early April, missed the entirety of Milwaukee's first-round playoff series against Indiana. Lillard, meanwhile, missed Games 4 and 5 in the eventual series loss while dealing with an Achilles injury he re-aggravated.

After taking a step back and looking at Milwaukee's current situation, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith believes the Bucks' best course of action is to trade Lillard this offseason.

"They're not young, [Lillard] is 34 and Giannis is 30, they're getting older," Stephen A. began. "They don't have free agent capabilities. On top of all that, they're approaching the second apron of the damn luxury tax threshold...

"Their maneuverability is limited."

Stephen A. also went on to address Lillard's past comments about moving to Milwaukee when the Bucks star admitted to feeling 'lonely' during what he called a ' real transition .'

"Damian Lillard was on the record talking about how life was a bit rough being in Milwaukee," Smith continued. "Clearly, that wasn't his first choice. We all know he wanted to go to Miami..."

The Bucks face some significant uncertainties that will need to be addressed this NBA offseason.