ESPN‘s Stephen A. Smith believes that depending on how the Bucks perform in the playoffs, they should think about trading Damian Lillard.
The Bucks are set to face the Pacers in the first round of the playoffs next week, marking Lillard’s first postseason appearance with the team.
Smith mentioned that Lillard is not happy in Milwaukee, but the reasons for his unhappiness are not basketball-related.
“If Milwaukee loses, I think they should consider moving Dame out of there,” Smith told Shannon Sharpe on ESPN‘s First Take.
Sharpe responded, “But he just arrived!”
To which Smith replied, “I’m not referring to his performance on the court. He’s not content with the situation there.”
“He’s dealing with a lot of personal distractions, which are private matters, and we wish him the best because many of us wouldn’t handle it as well as he is,” Smith continued.
“However, when you’re looking for a support system … It’s a situation where if you’re unhappy for external reasons, and I know he wanted to be in Miami, it’s a lot to manage with everything that’s going on,” Smith added.
Lillard himself acknowledged in February that the transition from Portland has been challenging, and he feels isolated without the familiar support of his family and friends.
He is also currently separated from his children and recently went through a divorce.
Therefore, Lillard is facing numerous challenges in his personal life, as described by Smith.
Hopefully, the Bucks can deliver a strong performance in the playoffs to give Lillard a reason to smile.
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