Damian Lillard made an emotional return to the Portland Trail Blazers this week, calling the move “coming home” during a press conference with head coach Chauncey Billups. The veteran guard signed a three-year, $42 million deal to rejoin the franchise that drafted him in 2012.
Lillard thanked both Billups and general manager Joe Cronin for making his return possible. “It never felt right not being home,” Lillard said at the podium. “Through it all, I found my way back.”
The 34-year-old guard also addressed his relationship with Cronin, which he described as positive despite the trade that sent him to Milwaukee last year. “I wanted them to know it was no hard feelings,” he said, recalling how he greeted Cronin and team owner Jody Allen before his last game in Portland.
Billups was equally candid about the reunion, saying, “We obviously never wanted to see him go, and even when he did, we all wanted to see him back.” The coach also joked about Lillard’s presence on the sidelines this year while recovering from a torn Achilles: “He’s going to be the highest-paid assistant coach in league history.”
Lillard’s decision to leave the Bucks reportedly came down to family. the guard grew increasingly unhappy being away from his children and missed the sense of home he had in Portland. Injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo and coaching instability in Milwaukee further complicated his stay.
Milwaukee chose to stretch Lillard’s remaining contract, creating the financial space to acquire Myles Turner, which cleared the way for Portland to bring him back. The Blazers also reacquired Jrue Holiday in a separate move, signaling their intent to compete again.
Lillard’s new contract reportedly includes a no-trade clause and likely a player option in 2027–28, positioning him to finish his career where it began. While he is not expected to play during the upcoming season, his leadership and presence are expected to impact the young roster immediately.
