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- calendar_today October 27, 2026
Damian Lillard’s Full-Circle NBA Story
Damian Lillard, now 36, has not only forged a historic NBA career but has also completed a dramatic return to the Portland Trail Blazers, the team where his basketball journey began. After spending his first 11 seasons in Portland and establishing himself among the NBA’s top 75 players, Lillard sought greener pastures in 2023, requesting a trade to chase a championship. Three roller-coaster years later, Lillard is back in Portland and describes his journey as “necessary” to shape the player and person he is today.
The Decision to Leave Portland
In the summer of 2023, frustrated with the Trail Blazers’ inability to achieve consistent playoff success—they reached the conference finals only once during his tenure—Lillard requested a trade. The ensuing months saw protracted negotiations, culminating in his move to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he was paired with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and a team brimming with championship expectations.
Challenges and Heartbreak in Milwaukee
Lillard’s time with the Milwaukee Bucks proved challenging. Despite averaging over 24 points per game, Lillard and the Bucks struggled to find chemistry. The organization changed head coaches during his first season, and his on-court partnership with Antetokounmpo was frequently scrutinized. Injuries plagued both players, limiting them to just four playoff games together over two seasons—winning only one. Off the court, Lillard described his Milwaukee experience as “lonely” due to his family remaining in Portland. The 2025 season ended with more disappointment as the Bucks were eliminated in the first round again, and Lillard suffered a torn Achilles.
An Uncertain Future and a Surprising Reunion
Following his Achilles injury, Milwaukee made the unexpected decision to waive Lillard with two years and $113 million left on his contract. The Trail Blazers were the first to approach him, and in July 2025, he re-signed with Portland. Although he missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, the star guard has now rejoined a revitalized Blazers roster that made the playoffs without him.
Teaming Up With Ja Morant and a Rebuilt Roster
This season, the Trail Blazers feature a retooled lineup led by former All-Star Ja Morant, two-time champion Jrue Holiday (part of the original Lillard trade), and highly touted draft pick Scoot Henderson. The additions of Donovan Clingan, Toumani Camara, and Deni Avdija have further bolstered the squad, outcomes made possible by the team’s previous rebuild and the assets gained from trading Lillard.
First-year head coach Micah Nori has managed the group’s deep rotation skillfully. Through the season’s first two games, 10 players have seen significant minutes, none more than Avdija’s 30.5 per game. Lillard, now averaging 28.5 minutes, scored 25 points in the opener and 19 in the next victory, helping the Blazers to a 2-0 start as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lillard Embraces New Role and Fresh Opportunity
Far from carrying the sole burden of winning, Lillard believes the current structure puts him in position for sustained success without overwhelming responsibility. He emphasizes the selflessness of the roster and the sacrifices required for team success. “The way our team is set up is set up for me to have a great season without having to kill myself like I might have had to do in the past for us to have success,” he said.
Lillard credits the team’s versatility and the recent additions as big factors in his optimistic outlook. He noted the defensive talents of Camara and Holiday and Morant’s playmaking, while appreciating how the new challenges have shaped both himself and the organization. “I always look for that opportunity to show my true character,” Lillard reflected. The star guard expects both personal and team success this NBA season as he embarks on the next phase of his remarkable basketball comeback.
Source: nbcnews.com.
