Did Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks play a role in the trade of Damian Lillard to the Bucks?
Carmelo Anthony and Damian Lillard share significant similarities. Beyond being teammates with the Portland Trail Blazers, they are both NBA stars destined for the Hall of Fame who sought trades during their prime years. Anthony was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the New York Knicks, while Lillard, after 11 seasons in Portland, made a move to the Milwaukee Bucks in the summer.
Interestingly, Anthony claims to have played a role in encouraging Lillard to make the move. On his podcast “7PM in Brooklyn,” Anthony recounted advising Lillard to leave Portland, drawing a parallel to their situations in Denver. He emphasized the danger of loyalty leading to missed opportunities and suggested that hitting rock bottom was necessary for a decision to change.
Anthony, who spent his first seven seasons in Denver before requesting a trade, understood the challenges of loyalty. Lillard, known for his allegiance to Portland, faced similar struggles, especially in the postseason. Anthony argued that after consecutive playoff misses, Lillard needed to make the difficult decision to leave, despite the deep connection between him and the city.
Lillard, now 33, joined the Milwaukee Bucks in the summer, aligning with a team focused on championship pursuit. Teaming up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday, Lillard has been a crucial contributor, averaging 26.3 points and seven assists, while the Bucks maintain a top position in the Eastern Conference with a record of 21-7.
In their recent matchups, Lillard showcased his prowess against Anthony’s Knicks, scoring 58 points in two games, both resulting in victories for the Milwaukee Bucks.
