Damian Lillard‘s trade to the Milwaukee Bucks is bittersweet for Giannis Antetokounmpo — the Greek Freak finally opened up about the deal that sent his “brother” Jrue Holiday to the Trail Blazers … saying he’s both excited and crushed.
“Jrue is my f***ing brother for life,” Antetokounmpo told Bleacher Report. “I love his family. I love him. I appreciate him. I wish him nothing but the best.”
Giannis’ reaction comes days after the Blazers-Bucks-Sun blockbuster trade, where the Bucks gave Portland their 2029 unprotected first-round pick and several players — including Holiday — for Lillard.
It’s understandable why Antetokounmpo is sad — he’s been teammates with Holiday since 2020, and they won the NBA Finals a year later.
“He blessed me with a f***ing championship,” Antetokounmpo said.
“He’s the one who made that huge steal in Game 5 of the Finals. I went to battle with him multiple times. F*** basketball. F*** the media s***.”
On the flip side, Giannis said he’s stoked to play with Lillard … explaining the 7-time All-Star gives them a legit shot at another NBA title.
“I’m excited to play with the caliber of player that he is,” Antetokounmpo said. “He can score the ball in his sleep and shoot the lights out.”
Lillard — who requested the trade out of Portland in July — is hyped to play with Giannis and the Bucks as well … but admits he will miss his teammates, fans, and Portland dearly.
“I do believe a day will come where I put a Blazers uniform on again,” the 33-year-old said in a farewell letter on Thursday.
“Hopefully by then, I’ll be forgiven for breaking your hearts along with my own.”
The Bucks play against Portland twice this season in November and early 2024 … and it will definitely be a must-watch!
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