Damian Lillard’s Return to the Trail Blazers
After his 11-season run with the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard is set to make a triumphant return to the franchise, signing a three-year deal worth $42 million. Lillard, the Trail Blazers’ all-time leading scorer with 19,376 points, had a standout career in Portland before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season.
There, he recorded averages of 24.6 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game over two seasons, despite suffering a serious Achilles injury during the 2025 playoffs that ultimately led to the Bucks releasing him in July. Milwaukee’s decision to part ways with Lillard came as they pivoted towards securing new talent, allowing him to rejoin the team where he established his legacy.
Trends of Athletes Returning to Their Roots
Lillard joins a long list of elite athletes who have returned to the teams that helped them rise to fame, a trend seen across various sports since the turn of the millennium. One notable return is that of LeBron James, who first played for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003 to 2010. After a celebrated tenure with the Miami Heat, where he won two championships, James returned to the Cavaliers in 2014, fulfilling his commitment to deliver a championship to Cleveland, which he achieved in 2016.
Similarly, Dwyane Wade spent over a decade with the Miami Heat, solidifying his status with multiple championships before returning for a final stretch in 2018. The trend extends beyond basketball; for football fans, James Harrison’s return to the Pittsburgh Steelers after a stint with the Cincinnati Bengals showcased his loyalty to the franchise that made him a star. Randy Moss, another football legend, had a captivating career, marked by his electrifying performances for the Minnesota Vikings, returning for a brief time in 2010 after his various league travels.
In baseball, icons like Albert Pujols and Ichiro Suzuki have made headlines regarding returning to their roots as well, with Pujols rejoining the Cardinals and Ichiro making a comeback with the Mariners later in their careers. The trend is significant across sports, as both athletes and fans cherish the idea of reconnecting with familiar surroundings, making for compelling narratives that often define their legacies.
Conclusion
As Lillard embarks on his next chapter back with the Trail Blazers, he adds his name to a storied list of athletes who have found their way back home, reminding us all that sometimes, the best journey is the one that leads you back to where it all began.
