Damian Lillard is back with the Portland Trail Blazers, the team where he spent the bulk of his storied NBA career. After being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this month, Lillard has signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Trail Blazers, which includes a player option for the 2027–28 season and a no-trade clause.
Shortly after news of his return broke, the 35-year-old guard posted a video on X that panned across the Trail Blazers’ locker room.
The video ended with a shot of his No. 0 jersey hanging in his old locker and closed with the message: “Together again.”
Why Lillard chose to come back?
Lillard’s return is driven by more than just basketball. According to reports, a key reason behind his decision was to be closer to his family, who continue to live in Portland.
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The father of three has remained deeply connected to the city even after his trade to Milwaukee in 2023.Despite a torn Achilles suffered during Game 4 of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Pacers, an injury that will likely sideline him for the entire 2025–26 season, Lillard was determined to make Portland his home once again.A career comes full circle
Drafted sixth overall by the Blazers in 2012, Lillard quickly became the face of the franchise. Over 11 seasons in Portland, he earned seven All-Star selections and became the team’s all-time leader in both points and three-pointers made.
Though his stint with the Bucks was short-lived, Lillard still averaged an impressive 24.9 points per game last season, just slightly below his career average 25.1.
Now, with his future set in the city that shaped him, where it all began.