When does Damian Lillard make his homecoming to the Moda Center this season?

There's a reason why Damian Lillard's return to Portland, Oregon, is the only Trail Blazers game that will be aired on TNT for the entire 2024-25 season. Although we're over a year removed from the drama surrounding Lillard's trade request and where his landing spot would be, it still feels like yesterday for many Blazers fans that Lillard was on the team.

Part of that could be selective memory trying to look past their 21-win season. But a huge reason is that it's hard to process Lillard not being a Trail Blazer. Superstars switch teams constantly in today's NBA, but there was always a sense of optimism (naivety?) that Dame would wear one team's jersey his entire career.

The reality didn't fully sink in until Lillard was back in Moda Center last year. The Blazers won that game, 119-116, with Lillard putting up 25 points to go along with seven assists and six rebounds in the losing effort.

But the fact that the Blazers won was just an afterthought for many fans in attendance. They were largely there to show their support for Lillard and what he means to the Blazers franchise and the entire state of Oregon as someone who has contributed both on and off the court (and continues to do the latter despite no longer being on the team).

Although another season has passed since Lillard hasn't worn the Rip City red and black, the energy at this year's homecoming should be just as palpable.

Lillard will be back at Moda Center on Jan. 28

The Blazers have three games on NBA TV but only one on TNT this entire season—Lillard's highly anticipated return to the Moda Center. The Bucks travel to Portland to play the Blazers on January 28, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT.

Milwaukee should be improved this season with the depth additions of Taurean Prince and former Blazer Gary Trent Jr., as well as having another year for Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo to get familiar with how to play off each other best.

Compared to his eight-time All-Star standards, Dame had a relatively down season his first year with the Bucks. His scoring decreased from 32.2 to 24.3 points per game, and his efficiency dipped from 46/37/91 to 42/35/92 shooting splits.

It's not surprising that Lillard's scoring went down, as he's no longer the No. 1 option on the team and has to share the spotlight with Giannis. However, as a result, his shooting percentages should have improved, with the defense focusing less on him and having more open looks. Age could have also played a factor, as Lillard is now 34 years old entering his 13th season.

Will Lillard ever put on a Blazers jersey again?

Lillard's NBA window is shortening, but there's still a possibility that he will play for the Blazers again before his career is over. Per Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian (subscription required), Lillard has previously stated, "I see there being a time where I play for the Trail Blazers."

His contract expires after the 2025-26 season with a player option for 2026-27. Dame could potentially decline that player option and decide to return to Portland, especially if some of the Blazers' young core shows enough progress by then to make him feel like they have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. The Bucks could be pleased with that outcome. At that point, Lillard will be 36 years old, and his player option is for $58 million, which is one reason why he may decide to stay in Milwaukee.

The future surrounding a possible Lillard return is uncertain. For now, Blazers fans can look forward to his highly anticipated homecoming to the Moda Center on January 28.