Earlier this month, Grayson Allen took to social media to make a pledge to Milwaukee Bucks fans.
“Bucks fans this is the last number change I promise,” Allen wrote on the social media platform X, along with a crying laughing emoji while quoting a post announcing that he would be changing his jersey number from 12 to 3 for the upcoming season
As it turns out, Allen won’t get the chance to wear No. 3—which he wore during his college career at Duke — in Milwaukee after all.
On Wednesday, Allen was traded to the Phoenix Suns as a part of the blockbuster three-team deal in which his now former team acquired All-Star point guard Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. Taking to the social media platform X for the first time since announcing his number change, Allen acknowledged the humor by quoting the original post with a simple “lol.”
According to multiple reports, joining Allen in Phoenix as a part of the trade will be Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson, while Portland will acquire receive Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Milwaukee’s 2029 unprotected first-round draft pick and unprotected Milwaukee swap rights in 2028 and 2030 in exchange for Lillard.
As for Allen, it’s not clear what jersey number he’ll be wearing in Phoenix—although 3 is currently occupied by the newly acquired Bradley Beal.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.