In a shocking twist to the NBA offseason, Damian Lillard is heading back to where it all began. After a brief and turbulent stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, the All-Star guard has been waived and signed back to the Portland Trail Blazers, the franchise where he built his legacy over 11 memorable seasons. The original deal, which included multiple draft picks heading to the Blazers, marks a dramatic reversal of course for both teams.
Lillard’s return to Portland comes just two years after he was dealt to Milwaukee in a high-profile move that paired him with Giannis Antetokounmpo in a title push. Though the duo showed flashes of brilliance, chemistry and injuries derailed the Bucks’ championship hopes. With Milwaukee looking to reshape its roster and Portland embracing a youth movement, the two sides found common ground in bringing Dame back to Rip City.
The Trail Blazers, now built around rising stars Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, will welcome Lillard as both a mentor and potential co-star. While Portland remains in development mode, the return of its most beloved player injects immediate leadership and identity into the locker room. Lillard’s presence can help guide the team’s younger core while also giving fans a reason to fill Moda Center night after night.
For the Bucks, the signing signals a pivot. When they traded for Lillard, they dealt a package that included Jrue Holiday and future draft capital, aiming to build a superteam-like roster around Giannis. With Jrue Holiday gone and Khris Middleton aging, Milwaukee’s front office appears focused on long-term sustainability rather than a win-now gamble that didn’t deliver.
Lillard’s homecoming is both unexpected and emotional. While his desire to compete for a title took him to Milwaukee, his identity as a Portland icon was never in question. Now, with a new chapter beginning where it all started, the NBA will watch closely to see how Dame Time unfolds, again, in Rip City.