Damian Lillard tries to recruit Giannis to the Blazers, but fails
The Milwaukee Bucks have reached a crossroads as they navigate an 18-29 record and current five-game losing streak as superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo is sidelined with a calf injury amid endless trade rumors and speculation. As Giannis trade rumors swirlThe Bucks are reportedly finally considering a blockbuster deal in the days before Thursday’s trade deadline. One surprising team trying to get into the mix is Portland Trail Blazerswith Jake Fisher reporting on a Bleacher Report live that former Bucks star Damian Lillard works “behind the scenes” to try to recruit Giannis to Rip City.
🚨BREAKING
Damian Lillard is working behind the scenes to recruit his friend and former teammate Giannis to Portland 👀🍿
per @JakeLPischer#RipCity pic.twitter.com/gReO8MKSTkv
— RIPCITII🌹 (@shaesharpeshov) February 2, 2026
Jrue Holiday, who won a title with Giannis in 2021, is also a member of the Blazers and could be a selling point. Portland controls Milwaukee’s draft capital for 2028, 2029 and 2030. The Bucks traded Holiday to the Boston Celtics in 2023 before he was sent to the Blazers last offseason. Milwaukee released Lillard in the summer to sign Myles Turner.
However, Fisher noted that there is there are no indications Giannis is interested in reuniting with Lillard and Holiday in Portland. Fisher also believes it’s even more likely that Giannis will remain with the Bucks after Thursday’s trade deadline. Milwaukee could use this week to evaluate trade offers for Giannis and then revisit talks in the offseason when more teams could potentially be involved.
Golden State WarriorsThe Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks have been mentioned as Giannis’ top possible trade destinations as of now. As the Blazers try to work their way into the mix, they could also potentially act as a facilitator for a multi-team trade even if they can’t land the Bucks superstar.
2026-02-03 14:59:00
