NBA Insider Reveals How Damian Lillard’s Stunning Blazers Return Leaves Portland in an Awkward Spot
When Damian Lillard walked away from the Milwaukee Bucks, everybody assumed he’d chase a championship ring. As an alternative, “Dame Time” selected one thing extra highly effective: house. The best participant in Portland Path Blazers historical past is returning to the place he constructed his legend, leaving NBA insiders questioning if loyalty simply trumped logic.
Why Is Damian Lillard’s Return to Portland Leaving NBA Insiders Confused?
It appeared apparent Lillard wasn’t solely comfy in Milwaukee, and the buyout gave him the liberty to decide on his subsequent vacation spot. His determination to return exhibits how a lot he beloved Portland, simply as the town beloved him in return.
Again the place it began ⌚️ pic.twitter.com/bqtmFjr9Lm
— Portland Path Blazers (@trailblazers) July 19, 2025
Nevertheless, Lillard’s loyalty stands out when contemplating that different franchises a lot nearer to profitable had been out there to him in free company. Alternatively, Portland remains to be rebuilding and a good distance from being thought of a contender within the Western Convention.
NBA insider John Hollinger of The Athletic mentioned Lillard’s return to Portland and revealed that whereas the deal is smart from Lillard’s perspective relating to location and funds, much less could be stated to defend it from Portland’s viewpoint. The transfer places the Blazers in a doubtlessly awkward spot.
Hollinger wrote in his column that speaking to folks across the league following Lillard’s return to Portland had them “scratching their heads.”
The confusion facilities on timeline questions. Lillard might be 36 when he returns from a torn Achilles, which isn’t straightforward to return from, particularly that late in a participant’s profession. Will he be the identical participant? That a lot stays unknown. Plus, the Western Convention is as deep because it’s ever been.
How Does Lillard’s Contract Complicate Portland’s Rebuild?
Portland’s transfer muddies the waters of their rebuild since they’ve a really younger roster, however most of their cap might be tied up with veterans Jrue Vacation, Jerami Grant, and Lillard by way of the 2027-28 season if all three decide into their last years.
Lillard additionally isn’t returning at a reduction. Hollinger factors out that he’ll make round “$64 million for the following two seasons,” together with the stretched-out cash from the Bucks over 5 years.
The scenario turns into extra advanced when contemplating the Blazers’ roster building. Hollinger highlights the awkward spot Portland faces, together with their skinny backcourt, as a result of lifeless cash paying Lillard handsomely to not play in 2025-26. Then there’s Scoot Henderson’s standing because the younger level guard they’ve been creating over two seasons.
If Henderson breaks out through the 2025-26 marketing campaign, how would that work with Lillard trying to have an enormous 12 months in 2026? In line with Hollinger, “There are 1,000,000 methods this could go improper.”
“Lillard is a dead-money roster spot for 2025-26 and leaves the Blazers very skinny within the backcourt after the Anfernee Simons commerce; one presumes Portland will land a veteran level guard with its last roster spot (the Blazers can signal a veteran’s minimal contract and keep a couple of pennies under the tax line),” Hollinger wrote.
Nevertheless, Hollinger’s considerations lengthen past simply the rapid roster implications. The timing creates a doubtlessly awkward dynamic that would complicate Portland’s improvement timeline.
“Lillard will come again within the fall of 2026 desirous to show he’s that Damian Lillard, which could possibly be problematic if Henderson emerges in 2025-26; that mixed with Lillard’s standing in Portland might lend itself to some Kobe-in-2016 vibes,” continued Hollinger.
Regardless of the questions surrounding the transfer, the Blazers have decided that immediately reinvigorates their fan base by bringing again their beloved legend. Lillard’s jaw-dropping historic feats in clutch time are etched in Blazers historical past perpetually.
Nobody ought to doubt that Lillard will need to add to that legacy now that he’s house.
