Damian Lillard Returns Portland After Unwanted Milwaukee Tenure

Damian Lillard never wanted to play for the Milwaukee Bucks and had preferred a trade to the Miami Heat, but was convinced by his agent to join Milwaukee for a better chance at an NBA title. His tenure with the Bucks was marked by injury setbacks, including a torn Achilles tendon, and dissatisfaction, with Lillard feeling like an outsider and unhappy in Milwaukee. After being waived by the Bucks following the injury, Lillard chose to return to the Portland Trail Blazers on a three-year, $42 million deal, despite some NBA insiders questioning the contract given his rehab status. Lillard expressed relief and gratitude to be back in Portland, where his family is settled and where his NBA journey began, signaling a full-circle moment in his career. The Bucks' decision to move on from Lillard aligned with their focus on signing other players like Myles Turner to maintain their competitive window with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lillard's average performance with Milwaukee was solid, but the team's early playoff exits and his injuries contributed to the brief and rocky chapter with the Bucks.