Damian Lillard, the newest star acquisition of the Milwaukee Bucks, recently discussed the roller-coaster offseason he experienced.
The 33-year-old initially requested a trade out of his longtime team, the Portland Trail Blazers, during the early stages of free agency last July.
Lillard subsequently named the Miami Heat as his preferred destination, with his agent Aaron Goodwin making several remarks reiterating the seven-time All-Star's desire to move to the sunny Florida city.
However, as months went by, no substantial trade discussions had commenced, and Portland had turned down Miami's initial proposal for their all-time leading scorer in franchise history.
"It was anything to go against what I would have wanted. That part was irritating. Just based off how it was happening, I knew [it wouldn't be Miami]," the 2018 All-NBA First Team admitted to The Athletic.
Given how things unfolded, Lillard had already realized he would not end up at his desired destination.
"[Portland] hadn't talked to Miami. So once it started happening like that, then I started hearing about all these other random teams, I was like, 'I'm probably not going to Miami.' So I wasn't holding on to that," the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year added.
Lillard gives greenlight to Milwaukee
After recognizing that Miami was no longer feasible, Goodwin inquired whether the Bucks were actively seeking his NBA 75th Anniversary member client.
Following the informal confirmation that Lillard was eager to join forces with the Bucks, talks were initiated.
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