By Salma El-Sakka
Damian Lillard, 36, is back with the Portland Trail Blazers after a three-year detour that took him to the Milwaukee Bucks and back again. The All-Star guard says the winding path was "necessary" to reach this point in his career.
From Franchise Legend to Trade Request
Lillard spent his first 11 NBA seasons in Portland, becoming a franchise icon and a member of the league's 75th anniversary team. Despite his elite scoring and clutch performances, the Blazers reached the conference finals only once. In summer 2023, he requested a trade to a championship contender.
Milwaukee Stint and Injury
The move to Milwaukee brought high expectations but also turbulence. The Bucks changed head coaches during Lillard's first season, and his fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo was constantly questioned. Injuries limited the duo to just four playoff games together over two postseasons, with only one win. In 2025, during a second consecutive first-round exit, Lillard tore his Achilles. Months later, Milwaukee waived him with two years and $113 million remaining on his contract.
Homecoming and Roster Rebuild
Portland signed Lillard in July 2025, the first team to reach out after his release. He missed all of last season recovering from the Achilles tear. In the meantime, the Blazers reshaped their roster: the 2023 trade brought Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija; the subsequent rebuild yielded draft pick Donovan Clingan; and Lillard's waiver allowed him to sign a team-friendly deal. Portland also added former All-Star Ja Morant, alongside Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, and others.
Early Season Success
Through two games, the Blazers are 2-0. Lillard is averaging 28.5 minutes, scoring 25 points in the opener and 19 against Sacramento. First-year coach Micah Nori has deployed a deep rotation — ten players logged at least 12 minutes in both games. Lillard says the variety of talent around him, from Camara's defense to Morant's playmaking, makes the game feel simpler and reduces the burden he once carried alone.
"I don't regret any part of the journey," Lillard said. "The team that I'm on now couldn't be formed if I had never left." He and Morant emphasize unselfish play, and Lillard expects both himself and the franchise to have a great season as they chase the championship opportunity that originally prompted his trade request.
