Damian Lillard has made his decision.
Damian Lillard News Splits NBA Fans: 'Bro Hates Winning' originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
When Damian Lillard was waived and his contract stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks, the star guard was reportedly "elated" because it put him in a great position to recover from an Achilles injury and easily join a contending team once he returns to health.
A report from Sam Amick of The Athletic shortly after Lillard was waived said that the nine-time All-Star had already "received calls from several contending teams." Since Lillard would get paid regardless of what he does, there were expectations that he would wait it out to determine the best contender to join.
On Thursday, however, Lillard's reported decision surfaced, sparking mixed feelings and varying reactions from NBA fans.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Lillard is "finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers." The deal is also "expected to include a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause."
BREAKING: Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell ESPN. Deal is expected to include a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause. A storybook reunion home for the 35-year-old. pic.twitter.com/mm1uUtMgO6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 17, 2025
While some fans are happy to see Lillard return to the Blazers and show his loyalty to the team, others were disappointed that he didn't do what's best for himself.
Some also expressed surprise that he didn't join the teams linked to him, such as the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers.
"I love Dame again," a fan wrote.
Another hyped supporter shared, "Dame never cheated the grind. Finishing his HOF career where it all started. This is just flat out dope."
A critic, however, remarked, "Bro hates winning lol."
A fourth social media user shared, "I like Lillard, but he’s never winning a ring at this rate."
"The Cinderella story is cute but why are they giving a 35 year old coming off a torn achillies 18 million a year?" a commenter added, questioning his contract with the Blazers.
"Screwed my lakers," an L.A. fan stated.
A Celtics supporter asked in disbelief, "Wow Celtics what happened."
What happened with Damian Lillard?
Lillard played for the Blazers from 2012 to 2023. He was drafted sixth overall by the Portland franchise in 2012 and went on to become a seven-time All-Star with the team.
However, after a trade request, the Blazers sent him to the Bucks. Unfortunately, Milwaukee never came close to contending despite Lillard pairing up with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In Game 4 of the 2025 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, Lillard sustained a torn left Achilles tendon that ended his postseason run with the team. He underwent surgery a few days later.
Lillard is not expected to play in the 2025-26 season as he recovers from his injury, which makes his decision to return to the Blazers even more confusing. At 35 years old, he doesn't have much time left if he wants to win a championship, so joining a rebuilding Portland franchise certainly came as a surprise.
Related: Damian Lillard’s Lakers Comments Resurface After Bucks News
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
