Damian Lillard has made a heartfelt decision to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, signing a three-year contract shortly after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. This move marks a significant moment in the NBA offseason, drawing attention from fans and fellow players alike, including Warriors star Draymond Green. The focus on Draymond Green on Lillard Trail Blazers highlights the emotional and competitive history between these two players and their teams.
Damian Lillard’s Journey Back to Portland
After spending 11 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in an effort to secure an NBA championship alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite high expectations, Lillard’s tenure with the Bucks was marred by early playoff exits and a serious Achilles injury in the 2025 playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. Following these setbacks, the Bucks signed Myles Turner and proceeded to waive and stretch Lillard’s contract, effectively sidelining him for the entire 2025-2026 season.
Among several possible landing spots, Lillard chose to return home to Portland, signing a three-year deal worth $42 million with a player option for the 2027-2028 season. This decision carries both personal and professional significance, as Lillard steps into a mentor role for a Trail Blazers squad aiming to rebuild and reclaim playoff success.
“My daughter was looking at me and I told her… she was like ‘wait, we don’t have to get on the airplane to Milwaukee anymore!?’” —Damian Lillard
Draymond Green Reflects on Lillard’s Homecoming
Draymond Green, a longtime NBA rival and Golden State Warriors forward, openly commented on Lillard’s return to Portland, sharing his sentiment on social media by stating, “The backdrop just look right!” Both players have faced each other frequently as Western Conference competitors, including a memorable clash in the 2019 Western Conference Finals, where the Warriors swept the Trail Blazers in a tightly contested series.
During that series, Green averaged 16.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, while Lillard scored 22.3 points with 8.5 assists per game but shot only 37.1 percent from the field. This history adds depth to Green’s remark, emphasizing the emotional resonance of Lillard’s return to Portland as the right setting for his next chapter.
Implications for the Trail Blazers and the NBA
Lillard’s comeback holds hopeful potential for the Trail Blazers, who are focusing on cultivating a young core and aiming to break back into playoff contention. His leadership and experience are expected to be invaluable as the team navigates the upcoming seasons. Meanwhile, the NBA community watches closely as this emotional reunion may influence team dynamics and competitive balance in the Western Conference.
Draymond Green’s endorsement adds a respected voice to the narrative surrounding Lillard’s return, bridging past rivalries and future possibilities. For fans and analysts alike, this development signals a mix of reflection, anticipation, and renewed excitement for Portland’s basketball future.