Lillard's response says it all.
Damian Lillard Turns Heads With Immediate Reaction to Blazers Signing originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Portland Trail Blazers closed out the 2024-25 NBA season with a 36-46 mark, fourth in the Northwest Division and 12th in the Western Conference.
Despite improving from the previous year's 21-61 record, the Trail Blazers missed out on the playoffs for the fourth straight season.
On Thursday, however, ESPN’s Shams Charania provided some exciting news for Rip City faithful, reporting that former Blazers' superstar Damian Lillard agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract to return to Portland.
The deal, which includes a player option for 2027-28 and a no-trade clause, makes Oregon his NBA home once more.
Lillard confirmed the reunion with an Instagram video panning across the locker room and ending with "Together Again" over his nameplate.
Fans were quick to react to the post.
"Naw that’s 🔥🔥🔥," one commenter responded.
"Never stopped rocking my Portland jersey anyway 😂🤟🏾," said one user.
"Back in the city !!!! Baby 🙌," another fan replied.
"Rip City Runs Deep🔥," commented one other user.
"ON DAME TIME 💲💲💲⏰⏰⏰," another fan responded.
"OKKK HE HAD THE WHOLE THING READYYYY," said one other user.
A 35-year-old Oakland native, Damian Lillard arrived in Portland as the No. 6 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft out of Weber State.
He captured Rookie of the Year honors in 2013. He played 11 seasons with Portland, becoming the Trail Blazer’s all-time leading scorer (19,376 points), as well as ranking first in 3-point shots made (2,387) and second in assists (5,151).
However, a shocking trade on the eve of training camp before the 2023-24 season sent him to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Lillard has earned nine All-Star selections (2014, 2015, 2018–21, 2023–25) along with seven All-NBA team nods, including a First Team honor in 2018.
Locking up Lillard secures not only a franchise icon but a veteran leader who can guide a new era of Blazers basketball and potentially return Rip City to relevance.
Related: Rockets Release NBA Veteran Days After Kevin Durant Trade
Related: Damian Lillard Receives Message From Bucks After Unexpected Release
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
