Damian Lillard Finalizing $42 Million Deal to Return to Portland Excites Fans: “Loyalty 1st”

9-time All-Star point guard Damian Lillard had multiple options to join after striking a buyout deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Damian Lillard Finalizing $42 Million Deal to Return to Portland Excites Fans: “Loyalty 1st”

Damian Lillard returns to Portland (Image via FirstSportz)

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The last two years have been tough on Damian Lillard. When his stint with the Portland Trail Blazers did not work out, he wanted to go to a place where he would be comfortable. But the franchise was interested in draft assets and shipped him out to the Milwaukee Bucks.

He hoped the union with Giannis Antetokounmpo would help him win a championship. Chemistry issues plagued their first season. Even a coaching change midway through the season did not help fix the fundamental problems.

This past season, the team had been struggling to keep pace with the best in the East. Some started to call the experiment a massive failure. However, there was no reprieve in sight after he signed a 2-year, $112 million extension to stay in Milwaukee until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Then everything changed after he tore his Achilles tendon in the first round of the playoffs. His injuries prior had already dampened their chances, but that season-ending injury was the final straw. The Bucks wanted him to continue, but Lillard wanted to return home.

He wanted to spend the next year rehabbing and recovering in Portland. He has a house there, and his kids are close by. The 9-time All-Star has often detailed his unhappiness in Milwaukee, and much of that had to do with his kids being away.

That resulted in a buyout, which would invariably help the Bucks help their precarious salary cap situation, and bring in other players. Now that he has seemingly cleared waivers, Shams Charania reported that Damian Lillard is returning home for good.

Fans rejoice as Damian Lillard returns to Portland Trail Blazers

Per the ESPN Insider, Damian Lillard has signed a three-year, $42 million to return home. To the casual, the deal might seem to be a disservice to his talents. He will still be paid the $113 million the Milwaukee Bucks owe, just that it will be over a longer period of time.

He ends up earning more than he could with his former team, returns home where he is loved, and can spend as much time as he can with his kids. Basketball fans praised this decision as the 35-year-old has always professed his love for the city of Portland.

In an era where players switch teams either for more money, opportunity to contend, or to leverage their external revenue source, fans rejoiced after the point guard decided to stick to what is close to his heart. Check out examples of those comments below:

Portland fans will have to wait a year before they can see Damian Lillard officially dribble a basketball again in Trail Blazers colors. Achilles tendon tears take a year to heal, and Tyrese Haliburton‘s recovery timeline should apply to him. But they should be glad he is returning home.

Miami Heat had no interest in signing Damian Lillard

When Damian Lillard first wanted to leave the Portland Trail Blazers for a chance to contend for a title, the Miami Heat was an ideal destination. Warm weather, and a roster that just went to the East Finals were good enough trade-offs.

Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo's chemistry was suspect
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s chemistry was suspect (Image via NBA/X)

At the time, the Heat was one of the leading teams in trade conversations. However, the Trail Blazers wanted to make the most of their situation and sent him to Milwaukee. This time around, the Heat had a better, easier, and cheaper chance to land Lillard.

As per Hoops Wire, the Florida-based franchise was not interested in signing the 35-year-old guard. It could be that they want to compete now, and Lillard’s injury, along with his age, do not help them. They are instead looking for other marquee players who can steer the team to competitiveness.

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