{"id":150900,"date":"2025-07-18T06:30:35","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T10:30:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=150900"},"modified":"2025-07-18T01:46:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T05:46:08","slug":"damian-lillard-blazers-reunion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/07\/18\/damian-lillard-blazers-reunion\/","title":{"rendered":"It Is Not Practical, But Lillard\u2019s Portland Return Feels So Right"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard<\/a> are back together after two years apart. He has an unbelievably strong connection to Portland, and with his Achilles injury, Lillard made his way back. Lillard is back in Rip City under coach Chauncey Billups. It is a move that may defy basketball logic, but his commitment is clear.<\/p>\n

It Is Not Practical, But Lillard\u2019s Portland Return Feels So Right<\/h2>\n

Damian Lillard is a legend for the Portland Trail Blazers. Throughout his first stint from 2012 to 2023, he was the model Trail Blazer. He always stuck with the team through thick and thin, but it came to a tipping point in 2023. Despite his desire to stay, the situation was too dire, so he requested a trade.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the grass was not as green as expected with the Milwaukee Bucks. He and Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a> never had the chemistry required for a superstar partnership. They lost in the first round of the Playoffs twice, including a second run when he ruptured his Achilles tendon.<\/p>\n

Due to that injury, the Bucks chose to buy out his contract,<\/a> clearing the way for Portland. It might not be the most logical move<\/a>, but it is meaningful for fans who never wanted him to leave. Now, Lillard is back on a three-year deal worth $42 million.<\/p>\n

Some Moves Mean More Than Basketball<\/h3>\n

Lillard won’t be playing in the 2025-26 season due to his rehabilitation from the Achilles injury. That means Scoot Henderson<\/a> and Jrue Holiday<\/a> will take care of the point guard position. This is an opportunity for Henderson to establish himself as the long-term starting point guard. Chauncey Billups will have plenty of options in the guard position when 2026 comes around.<\/p>\n

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RipCityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!! @trailblazers<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/x3jnZr1s0G<\/a><\/p>\n

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) July 17, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n