It's unsurprising that Damian Lillard decided to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. Back in January of 2024, Lillard left the door open for a potential reunion.
"I see there being a time where I play for the Trail Blazers. But it won't be right now. I play for the Bucks. To accomplish what we want to accomplish, you've got to be all in on that. And I was traded, and I'm all in to try to accomplish that here," Lillard said, according to Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian.
However, we thought it would be closer to something along the lines of Lillard returning the year before he retires for one final send-off in Portland -- somewhat similar to how Dwayne Wade returned to Miami to play 93 games for the Heat before ultimately retiring.
There are still parallels between Wade's and Lillard's situations. Heat fans would likely tell you that Wade's stints in Chicago and Cleveland never actually happened in their eyes, and many Blazers fans still consider Lillard a Blazer lifer despite those two strange seasons in Milwaukee.
Damian Lillard's homecoming makes sense for both sides
Just two seasons have passed since Lillard was last a member of the Blazers, but it feels like much longer. Part of that has been due to Portland's relatively underwhelming seasons without him, winning a total of 57 games during that span. The Blazers have struggled to compete in the Western Conference since Lillard's departure, fighting an uphill battle with their lack of star power.
Another part can be attributed to Lillard's overall impact on the Blazers' franchise, which goes far beyond wins and losses. Lillard hasn't even taken the court yet in a Blazers jersey -- that will likely be put on hold until the 2026-27 season, with an anticipated gap year as he continues to get back close to his pre-Achilles injury form. But excitement surrounding the Blazers franchise has already picked up since Lillard agreed to the three-year, $42 million deal. As is the case with any big-name signing, there's now a higher level of expectations surrounding the Blazers' franchise. For better or worse, they have a newfound sense of urgency to maximize a short window with Lillard now back on board.
Hopefully, the Blazers will get more out of Lillard than the Heat will get out of Wade following his return. History will tell you that it's challenging to return to the same level of play after an Achilles injury, especially for a 35-year-old guard. But Lillard has the perfect mindset required for a complete comeback.
"It's a mental battle. I don't lose those. If it's physical, it's possible. But a mental battle, I'm just not going to lose," Lillard said.
Between his deals with Milwaukee and Portland, Lillard is set to make $70 million in a season he likely won't even play. Now, he gets to rehab close to his family in Portland, which has always been a top priority for someone with a league-wide reputation for his loyalty.
However, that wasn't the only priority for Lillard, who notes that this was still a basketball decision to return to the Blazers. Once he returns from injury, Lillard will join a Blazers team equipped to give him a legitimate shot at a playoff run. Largely thanks to the assets Portland acquired from trading him in the first place.