Damian Lillard is back in Portland, and the veteran guard says he feels at peace with the decision.
Speaking about his return on The Sideline with Andy Katz, Lillard said, via HoopsHype, “It’s been great. I’m not an overly expressive person, but I think in my adulthood — coming back here at this time, with the age of my kids, with where the team is — it just feels right.”
The 35-year-old signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Trail Blazers in July after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. The move reunited him with the franchise where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career.
He added, “Being back where I spent the first 11 years of my career — this is one of the times in my life where I feel extremely happy. Every day, I wake up and I’m thankful. I’m waking up seeing my kids, taking them to school. I can just drive down to my mom’s house. It’s a blessing, man. I couldn’t be happier.”
Lillard’s return came after a turbulent year in Milwaukee. He averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists in the 2024–25 season but suffered a torn Achilles in April during the playoffs. The injury ended his season and raised doubts about his availability for 2025–26.
The Bucks opted to waive him in July, stretching the $103 million remaining on his contract. That decision opened the door for Portland to bring him back on a team-friendly deal.
He is a seven-time All-NBA selection and nine-time All-Star, with career averages of 25.1 points and 6.7 assists. His 32.2 points per game in 2022–23 marked the highest single-season scoring average in team history.
