Former NBA player and host of the “All The Smoke” podcast, Matt Barnes, has weighed in on Damian Lillard’s recent trade rumors. Barnes believes that Lillard being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, instead of his preferred destination of the Miami Heat, could be a blessing in disguise for the All-Star guard. According to Barnes, Lillard now has a better chance at winning an NBA title in Milwaukee than he would have had in Miami.
Key Takeaway
Matt Barnes believes that Damian Lillard has a better chance of winning an NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks, who won the championship in 2021, than he would have had with the Miami Heat, despite their recent Finals appearances.
Barnes shared his thoughts on Lillard’s trade situation during the 5th Annual KiKi Shepard Celebrity Golf Classic last week. Despite not ending up in South Beach as reportedly requested, Barnes thinks Lillard should be excited about the outcome.
“I’m excited for Dame,” Barnes said. “Obviously, he wanted to go to Miami. That didn’t happen, but for him to have the opportunity to win, I think is the key and the goal. Teaming up with Giannis [Antetokounmpo] is definitely gonna give him a great opportunity to win a championship.”
Barnes even goes on to say that Lillard’s chances of winning a title in Milwaukee might be even better than they would have been in Miami. While some fans may disagree, considering the Heat’s recent success and the presence of playoff star Jimmy Butler, Barnes points out that the Bucks have already made it to the NBA Finals and emerged victorious in 2021, ending a four-decade-long appearance drought.
“Bucks are high,” Barnes said confidently. “It’s gonna be a fun season.”
As the NBA continues to see strong competition both in the East and the West, Barnes expresses his excitement for the upcoming season. With Lillard joining forces with Antetokounmpo and the reigning champions in Milwaukee, the race for the title is expected to be intense.
