In an era where loyalty in professional sports often takes a backseat to rings and market size, Damian Lillard’s return to the Portland Trail Blazers feels like a love letter to the city that raised him, and a declaration that some bonds are too strong to break.
“This was a decision that wasn’t hard at all for me to make,” Lillard said during his reintroduction press conference. “The people that I know, it was an easy piece of advice for them to give, it was easy for them to support”.
After two seasons away, spent chasing a title in Milwaukee, Lillard is back in Portland on a three-year, $42 million deal that includes a player option for 2027–28 and a no-trade clause. But the contract is just paperwork. The real story is the reunion of a franchise icon with the city that never stopped loving him.
Lillard’s resume in Portland is the stuff of legend, as he’s the all-time franchise leader in points (19,376), three-pointers (2,387), and second in assists (5,151).
His departure in 2023 was bittersweet, Portland needed to rebuild, and Lillard wanted a shot at a title. But even in Milwaukee, his heart never left Rip City.
“I never not wanted to play for this organization,” he said. “To be back in this community that I’m most familiar with… it all just feels right”.
At 35 and recovering from Achilles surgery, Lillard is expected to miss most of the 2025–26 season. But his impact will be felt immediately. He’ll serve as a mentor to Portland’s young core, including Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Yang Hansen, while preparing for a full return in 2026–27.
“I’m just thankful and appreciative of the door being open for me to come back, even with me being hurt,” Lillard said.
The Trail Blazers didn’t just bring back a player, they brought back a symbol. Lillard’s return comes amid a roster reshuffle that includes acquiring Jrue Holiday, and securing future draft assets. The team is building for the future, but it’s doing so with its past firmly in place.
As Lillard walked into the locker room and saw his nameplate again, he posted a simple message: “Together Again.”
And for Portland fans, that says it all.
