Damian Lillard Has No Regrets After Return to Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard Details No Regrets on Path Back to Portland

Damian Lillard stated that his three-year departure from the Portland Trail Blazers was a necessary detour that ultimately built the foundation for his return to the franchise, NBC News reported. I don’t regret any part of the journey. I feel like it was all necessary, Lillard said regarding his time away. He noted that the Trail Blazers were the first organization to contact him immediately after he was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, adding, They know that I can be counted on. They knew that I wasn’t gonna accept the injury and just be done.

Lillard spent the first 11 seasons of his career with Portland before requesting a trade in the summer of 2023. His subsequent tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks included a coaching change, an imperfect partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and a torn Achilles tendon during a postseason exit in 2025. Following that injury, Milwaukee waived Lillard with two years and $113 million remaining on his contract, prompting his return to the Trail Blazers in July 2025. During his time in Milwaukee, Lillard described feeling lonely as his family remained in Portland.

Roster Rebuild Following the 2023 Milwaukee Trade

Lillard explained that his departure provided the assets necessary to reshape Portland’s current roster. The initial 2023 trade with Milwaukee brought players such as Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija to the organization. A subsequent rebuild secured the draft pick used to select center Donovan Clingan.

The updated backcourt features Lillard alongside former All-Star point guard Ja Morant, two-time champion Jrue Holiday—who arrived in Portland via the 2023 trade—and Scoot Henderson. Under first-year head coach Micah Nori, the team opened the season with a 2–0 record ahead of a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Managing Minutes and Reduced Pressure

Lillard is averaging 28.5 minutes per game through his first two appearances, scoring 25 points in the season opener and 19 in a subsequent win over the Sacramento Kings.

I don’t feel overwhelmed with responsibility, Lillard told NBC News. The way our team is set up is set up for me to have a great season without having to kill myself like I might have had to do in the past for us to have success.

The Challenges of the Previous Tenure

While in Milwaukee, Lillard maintained an average of over 24 points per game, yet the team struggled to find consistency. Injuries significantly hampered both of his postseason runs with the Bucks, as Lillard and Antetokounmpo appeared in only four playoff games together, winning only one of them. Lillard, who missed all of last season while recovering from his Achilles injury, expressed a desire to prove his resilience, stating, I’m always seeking out those opportunities to let my true character show and just keep rising.